Author(s)

Mbanya Gladice Mbanya^1,2*, Njunda Anna Longdoh¹, Hermann Ngouakam³, Simon Eyongabane Ako^1,4,5

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
²Centre for Research on Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM) Yaoundé, Cameroon.
³Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
⁴Department of Pharmaceutical Studies, School of Health Science, Biaka University Institute of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
⁵Centre for Research on Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases (CREMER), Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Syphilis and HIV are amongst the world’s most widespread diseases, particularly in low-income countries. Syphilis and HIV infections during pregnancy have been associated with numerous adverse pregnancy outcomes. Of concern now are the rising rates of congenital syphilis and HIV in Cameroon. Cameroon only mandates testing pregnant women for syphilis and HIV during their first ANC visit. This study was aimed at determining the incidence of new syphilis and HIV infections and factors associated with pregnant women who previously tested negative during their first ANC visit. A cohort design was used, where 335 pregnant women were followed up for a period from December 2019 to August 2020. A blood sample was drawn and the serum was analyzed using the WANTAI ELISA and AIDTM HIV 1 + 2 Ag/Ab ELISAPlus test methods for syphilis and HIV respectively at three intervals. A questionnaire was used to identify risk factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Out of the 335 pregnant women who were followed up during this study, 49 (14.6%) were later diagnosed with syphilis (32 in 2^nd trimester and 17 in 3^rd trimester). 54 (16.1%) were diagnosed with HIV infection (13 at two months post-1^st-trimester visit, 23 in the 2^nd trimester and 18 in the 3rd trimester). Lastly, 10 (2%) were co-infected with syphilis and HIV of which 8 occurred during 2^nd trimester and 2 in the 3^rd trimester. The factors associated with contracting new syphilis infections include; younger age group aOR (1.302, 95% CI), leaving in an urban area aOR (3.158, 95% CI), lower level of education (Primary and no formal) with aOR of (9.055, 95% CI) (P = 0.001) and (6.764, 95% CI) (P = 0.006) respectively, inadequate knowledge on the diseases aOR (2.176, 95% CI), women unaware of their partner status aOR (3.190, 95% CI). Most factors associated with contracting new HIV infections were similar to the factors associated with contracting new syphilis infections post 1^st ANC visit aOR (1.174, 95% CI) and pregnant women with more than one sexual partner aOR (7.342, 95% CI) were observed for HIV infection.. There is an increased incidence of new infection of syphilis and HIV post first ANC screening in the Buea Health District, Cameroon. The need for constant education on the identifiable factors and these diseases, and screening during every ANC visit irrespective of their previous laboratory results is warranted.

Syphilis, HIV, STI, Pregnant Women, Post First-Antenatal Care, Screening, ELISA, Buea

Mbanya, M. , Longdoh, N. , Ngouakam, H. and Ako, S. (2023) Syphilis and HIV Infection among Pregnant Women Previously Screened Negative during Their First Antenetal Care Visit (ANC) at Some Selected Health Facilities in the Buea Health District, Cameroon. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 11, 50-65. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2023.117006.