RATES OF AND RISK-FACTORS FOR TRICHOMONIASIS AMONG PREGNANT INMATES IN NEW-YORK-CITY

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a common pathogen that is associa ted with adverse pregnancy outcomes and may serve as a cofactor in hum an immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Goal: To define the epid emiology of trichomoniasis in a population of newly incarcerated pregn ant women in New York City. Study Design: Prospective study of 213 pre gnant prisoners attending prenatal clinic. Patients participated in an interview regarding sexual and drug-related behaviors, and underwent direct culture for T. vaginalis in addition to routine testing for syp hilus, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, Results: The prevalence of trichomoni asis was 46.9%, On univariate analysis, there was a significant associ ation between trichomoniasis and older age, crack use, prostitution, k nown HIV infection, and positive serological test for syphilis, Multiv ariate analysis showed a significant association of trichomoniasis wit h crack use and positive serological test for syphilis. Conclusions: T richomoniasis is highly prevalent in pregnant prisoners in New York Ci ty. The extent of disease observed may justify a formal program of tes ting and treatment and emphasizes the urgent need for harm reduction e ducation and expanded HIV counseling and testing services in this high -risk population.