Sexually transmitted diseases in pregnant women in Lusaka

Abstract

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases has been known to be high in many African countries and preliminary investigations in Lusaka revealed a similar trend in Zambia. This paper presents an analysis of diagnoses made in 170 symptomatic pregnant women referred to the sexually transmitted diseases clinic and the screening results of 163 pregnant women in a routine antenatal examination. A high prevalence of gonococcal infection as well as syphilis was discovered in pregnant women. The implications of these findings on the possible complications and outcome of pregnancy are discussed and remedial measures suggested.