Is genital tract infection related to tubal diseases in infertile Vietnamese women?

• Published in: Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
• Main Authors: Minh Tam Le, Thi Le Na Nguyen, Duong Dinh Le, Tram Viet Quynh Ngo, Anh Thi Chau Nguyen, Bach Hoang Nguyen, Huy Vu Quoc Nguyen, Thanh Ngoc Cao, Andres Salumets, Reet Mändar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 2019-10-01
• Subjects: genital tract infection; infertility; Vietnam; tubal diseases
• Online Access: https://jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/11632

Introduction: The goal of this study was to identify the profile of genital tract infections and their relationship with clinical and demographic parameters as well as tubal diseases among infertile women in Vietnam. Methodology: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we enrolled 597 women undergoing infertility treatment at the Center for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Hue University Hospital, Vietnam. All of the study participants were interviewed and examined by a gynecologist. Consecutive tests were then conducted including direct microscopy examination (wet mount and Gram stain), vaginal culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for chlamydia diagnosis from a cervical canal swab, and a blood test for syphilis detection. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) was carried out to examine the uterine cavity and Fallopian tubes. Results: A gynecologic infection was diagnosed in 43.4% (259/597) of the infertile women. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common condition at 19.6%of the cases. Candida spp., Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis infections accounted for 17.4%, 3.7%, and 0.3%, respectively. Normal HSG results accounted for 87.4% of the women while 5.5% had 2-sided tubal occlusions, 5.4% had 1-sided tubal occlusions, 1.0% had 1-sided hydrosalpinx, and 0.7% had 2-sided hydrosalpinx. There was no significant association between tubal diseases and current infections; however, aerobic vaginitis increased the risk of tubal diseases by 2.4 times. Conclusions: A marked proportion of infertile Vietnamese women have genital tract infections that can significantly influence their reproductive function and performance. These infections should be routinely screened and treated properly to prevent their consequences, such as infertility, which is especially important in developing countries.