02645nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042100001300054700001300067700001300080700001400093700001400107700001700121700001700138700001600155700001300171700001500184245018500199856007900384300001200463490000700475520189500482022001402377       2023                            d  c07/20231 aShukla J1 aKleppa E1 aHolmen S1 aNdhlovu P1 aMtshali A1 aSebitloane M1 aVennervald B1 aGundersen S1 aTaylor M1 aKjetland E00aThe Association Between Female Genital Schistosomiasis and Other Infections of the Lower Genital Tract in Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in South Africa.  uhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10309100/pdf/jlgtd-27-291.pdf  a291-2960 v273 a<p><strong>Objectives/Purpose of the Study:&nbsp;</strong>This study aimed to explore the relationship between female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), sexually transmitted infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast among young women living in Schistosoma haematobium-endemic areas.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>In a cross-sectional study of young women, sexually active, aged 16 to 22 years in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in 32 randomly selected rural schools in schistosomiasis-endemic areas, the authors performed gynecological and laboratory investigations, diagnosed FGS and other infections, and did face-to-face interviews.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most prevalent current genital infection (23%), significantly more common in those who had urinary schistosomiasis (35%), compared with those without (19%, p &lt; .001). In the FGS-positive group, 35% had human papillomavirus compared with 24% in the FGS-negative group (p = .010). In the FGS-positive group, 37% were seropositive for herpes simplex virus infection, compared with 30% in the FGS-negative group (p = .079). There were significantly fewer chlamydia infections among women with FGS (20%, p = .018) compared with those who did not have FGS (28%).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most common genital infection after herpes simplex virus. Human papillomavirus infection was significantly associated with FGS, but Chlamydia was negatively associated with FGS. Women with FGS may have had more frequent contact with the health system for genital discharge. The results show the importance of the inclusion of FGS in the national management protocols for genital infections in areas endemic for S. haematobium and highlight a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis and genital disease management.</p>
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