<![CDATA[BACKGROUND: Trichomonas Vaginalis, a parasitic protozoan causing trichomoniasis, is implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly preterm labour (PTL). Trichomoniasis affects millions globally, with pregnant women at heightened susceptibility. Research suggests a potential link between T. vaginalis infections and PTL, attributed to inflammatory responses triggering uterine contractions and cervical changes. Understanding this association is vital for prenatal care and preventive interventions. The study aims was to examine the association between T. vaginalis infection and preterm labour among pregnant women in Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 260 women who experienced preterm labour (cases) and 260 who had term labour (controls). Vaginal secretions were collected using sterile swab sticks from the posterior, lateral, and anterior regions of the vagina and promptly transported to the laboratory in a reverse cold chain. Microscopy, culture, and sensitivity tests were performed on the specimens by the pathologist. The data obtained were analysed utilizing SPSS version 29. Association between T. vaginalis and preterm labour was assessed using Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to identify confounding factors. The p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULT: The mean age of women with preterm and term birth were 30.1±5.3 and 28.9±6.2 respectively, (p value = 0.625). There were more women aged 35 years and above in preterm (7.8%) than term group (0.8%). The prevalence of T. vaginalis among women with preterm labour was 16.9% while in women with term birth, it was 10.2%. The odds of preterm labour increased by 78.6% in those with T. vaginalis as compared to those without T. vaginalis infection (odds ratio = 1.786). There was a significant association between preterm labour and T. vaginalis infection (p value = 0.028). After adjusting for confounding variables such as ethnicity, religion, occupation, parity, age at coitarche, history of preterm labour and inter-pregnancy in a binary logistic regression model, T. vaginalis infection was not significantly associated with preterm labour (Odds ratio = 1.345, 95% CI of 0.721- 2.509, p value = 0.351). The odds for preterm labour increased by 391% in women with history of preterm labour (adjusted Odds ratio = 4.910, 95% CI of 2.119- 11.379, p value < 0.001) compare to those without history of preterm labour. Other confounding variable that influenced preterm delivery was age at coitarche. CONCLUSION: The odds of preterm labour was higher in women with T. vaginalis than those without T. vaginalis infection. However, T. vaginalis infection was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounding variables. A prior history of preterm labour was the strongest predictor of subsequent preterm labour. Due to the multifactorial nature of preterm labour, there is need for comprehensive risk assessment of preterm labour during antenatal care.]]>
