THE EFFECT OF TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS INFECTION ON VAGINAL EPITHELIA SHEDDING AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY, ELELE CAMPUS, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the effect of Trichomonas vaginalis infection on vaginal epithelia shedding among female students in Madonna University, Elele Campus, Nigeria. A total number of 58 high vagina swabs and urine samples were aseptically collected with sterile swab sticks and sterile universal containers from individuals that consented to the test. Among these 58 samples, their marital status consists of 54 singles and 4 married. The samples were examined microscopically using wet mount preparation for characteristic swaying or tumbling motility of Trichomonas Vaginalis and quantity of epithelial cells under ×40 objectives within an hour of the sample collection. The total prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among female students in Madonna University, Elele Campus is 8.6%. Trichomonas vaginalis infection is more prevalent in single sexually active women than married women and has no effect on vaginal epithelia shedding. Hence, regular and early diagnosis should be advocated to avoid obvious adverse effects to the infection and individuals and the number of sexual partners an individual has should be put into consideration. In conclusion, the shedding of vagina epithelial cells in our study does not have any correlation in the occurrence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection with a p value of 0.61.