Genital infections among antenatal care attendees in Cape Verde

In a cross-sectional study, 350 pregnant Capeverdian women were examined to assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (NG) and Bacterial vaginosis (BV). Among various analytic methods used, the polymerase chain reaction PCR (for NG, CT) yielded a higher detection rate than did direct microscopy or culture (NG), or direct immuno-fluorescence (CT). Since the PCR analytic of air-dried specimens is not hampered by harsh storage and transport conditions, it could serve to validate other detection methods where laboratory facilities are suboptimal. Among sociodemographic risk factors young age, and currently living alone, were significantly associated with infection.