Aetiology of sexually transmitted infections in Maputo, Mozambique

Introduction: The study sought to ascertain the prevalence of the aetiological agents of genital discharge and genital ulcer diseases in Maputo, Mozambique. Methodology: Consecutive consenting patients presenting to the Centro de Saude do Porto in Maputo between March and April 2005 with genital discharge syndrome and/or genital ulcer diseases were recruited.  Specimens were collected for the identification of STI pathogens. Results: Of 346 recruited patients, 164 were male and 182 female. The prevalence of confirmed single aetiological agents for male urethritis was as follows: N. gonorrhoeae, 35%; C. trachomatis, 10%; and M. genitalium 4%. For vaginal discharge, N. gonorrhoeae was found in11% of the women tested, followed by C. trachomatis (6.5%), bacterial vaginosis (34%), and T. vaginalis (2%). The prevalence of genital ulcers was as follows: Herpes simplex virus type 2, 62%; H. ducreyi 4 %; and C. trachomatis biovar LGV, 4%. Five percent of patients with genital ulcers had a positive syphilis serology (RPR ≥ 1:8 and confirmed by TPHA) and 35% of all tested patients were HIV-1/2 infected. Cases of mixed infections were present in 5%, 11% and 3% of patients with male urethritis, vaginal discharge, and genital ulcers respectively.   Conclusion: The classic sexually transmitted infection aetiologies are still prevalent in Maputo. The study highlights the need for a periodic surveillance to inform syndromic management protocols.