Sexually transmitted infections in pregnancy: prevalence, impact on pregnancy outcomes, and approach to treatment in developing countries
- 1The Population Council, Frontiers in Reproductive Health, Hyde Park Lane Manor, Edinburgh Gate, Craighall, Johannesburg, South Africa
- 2London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK and African Medical and Research Foundation, Mwanza, Tanzania
- 3Reproductive Health Research Unit, Durban, Suite 1301, Maritime House, Salmon Grove Durban, South Africa
- 4London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Correspondence to: Saiqa Mullick The Population Council, Frontiers in Reproductive Health, Hyde Park Lane Manor, EG001 Edinburgh Gate, Box 411744, Craighall 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa; smullickpcjoburg.org.za
- Accepted 12 November 2004
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in the developing world. Management of STIs in pregnancy in many developing countries has, however, been complicated by the lack of simple and affordable diagnostic tests. This review examines the prevalence and impact on pregnancy outcome of STIs in developing countries and recommends approaches to management of STIs in pregnancy for resource poor settings.
- aOR, adjusted odds ratio
- ANC, antenatal clinic
- BFP, biological false positive
- BV, bacterial vaginosis
- HSV, herpes simplex virus
- IUGR, intrauterine growth retardation
- LBW, low birth weight
- MTCT, mother to child transmission
- ON, ophthalmia neonatorum
- PROM, premature rupture of the membranes
- RPR, rapid plasma reagin
- RR, rate ratio
- STI, sexually transmitted infections
- VCT, voluntary counselling and testing
Footnotes
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Series editor: David Lewis
