PREVALENCE OF SYPHILIS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI CLINIC BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
Background. Syphilis is a disease caused by bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Major rout of transmission of this bacterium was through sexual and contact with mucocutaneous lesion. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can greatly affect pregnancy outcome, resulting in spontaneous abortion and stillbirth. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending the University of Maiduguri Clinic, Nigeria. Cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2023. The study included a total of 30 participants. The entire participants were recruited by systematic random sampling method. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected by semi structured questionnaire. Three milliliter (3ml) of blood was collected to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis using VDRL test kit (sandwich immunoassay test kit). Seroprevalence of syphilis was found to be 6.7% in the age categories of 30-40years of pregnant women tested. Although seroprevalence of syphilis was two, health education about syphilis etiology and transmission as well as creating awareness about the importance of early ANC visit and follow-up regarding syphilis prevention is hereby advocated.
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