Risk factors for persistently positive Trichomonas vaginalis infection
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Risk factors for persistently positive Trichomonas vaginalis infection in London; a case control study
IRAS ID
311264
Contact name
Tariq Sadiq
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St Georges University London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study will analyse risk factors in females diagnosed with persistently positive trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection. TV is a prevalent STI, surpassing both gonorrhoea and chlamydia combined, and can cause significant reproductive health complications. However, women infected with TV are commonly asymptomatic and, as such, the importance of this infection is commonly overlooked.
TV is diagnosed through PCR analysis of vaginal swabs and treatment is with metronidazole. Within UK guidelines, tests of cure are only recommended in the case where the patient remains symptomatic following treatment or if symptoms recur. This is problematic due to the high recurrence rate and the asymptomatic nature of the disease.This study aims to address 2 questions: 1. what characteristics of patients who are persistently positive for TV within South West London; 2. What are the characteristics of patients who return for TOC within South West London.
Retrospective female patient data will be extracted from MillCare between December 2019 and December 2021 by the the clinic IT team and pseudo-anonymised by clinical staff. All females who have a positive TV swab will be screened for eligibility. From this set of patients, data from subsequent visits will be reviewed including the reason for reattendance and further positive TV swabs. Variables of interest include characteristics, symptoms, behaviours demographics, previous medical history including obstetric history, sexual violence, addiction, co-morbidities, characteristics, drug and alcohol use & treatment failures (please see A13).A case-control design will be used to answer the research questions.Identifying individuals who are less likely to organise follow up may point to relevant characteristics that can identify at risk patient groups. Furthermore, recognising patients who are at increased risk of persistently positive TV infection could help direct resources. Efforts to improve service linkage amongst these patient groups may be warranted in order to engage those most at risk.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
22/WA/0334
Date of REC Opinion
2 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion