Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Abstract

The Prevalence of Female Genital Bilharziasis (FGB) in the Northern Region of Senegal

Ousmane Thiam*, Maimouna Ndour, Doudou Sow, Dibor Niang, Cherif Cheikh Tourade Sarr, Djibrl Bahaid Sow and Mamoune Ndiaye

Introduction: Female Genital Bilharzia (FGB) is pathology secondary to infection by Schistosoma haematobium. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases, capable of causing infertility, difficulties in childbirth and even cervical cancer. It represents a real public health problem. We therefore conducted a study in the maternity ward of the Saint-Louis Regional Hospital, with the overall aim of determining the prevalence of FBG in patients undergoing colposcopy. The specific objectives were to define the patient profile, and to compare colposcopic images with the World Health Organization (WHO) atlas.

Methodology: We conducted a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study of all colposcopic images taken at the maternity ward of the Saint-Louis Regional Hospital from August 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020, i.e. 25 months. The images were compared with the FBG images described in the WHO atlas.

Results: We collected 178 colposcopy images. FGB images numbered 50%, or 28%. The mean age of the patients was 44.5 years ± 11.4 at the extremes of 18 and 78 years. Mean gestational age was 4.69-2.72. Among patients with a bilharzian lesion on the cervix, Visual Acid Inspection (VIA) was negative in 60% of cases (p=0.007, OR=3.6 (1.49-9.07)).

Conclusion: The results of our study show that FBG is a reality in our daily practice. It occurs in adult, multigestating, non-occupational women whose examination reveals a negative VIA. Healthcare providers therefore need to be trained in the recognition of lesions associated with genital bilharzias is, and public awareness needs to be raised.

Published Date: 2023-07-05; Received Date: 2023-06-05