Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum Co-infections in Women of Childbearing Age: A Retrospective Study at the Sino-Gabonese Friendship Hospital in Franceville, Gabon
Hélène Ninette Ekomvone Ngoua
Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (LABMC), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon.
Blandine Behang O’byang épouse Edzang
Sino-Gabonese Friendship Hospital, Franceville, Gabon.
Thiéry Ndong Mba *
Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (LABMC), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon and Biochemistry Research Laboratory (LAREBIO), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon.
Arnaud Brice PAMBO-PAMBO
Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (LABMC), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon.
Assane Ndiaye
Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (LABMC), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon.
Hilaire Moundounga Kenguele
Biochemistry Research Laboratory (LAREBIO), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Backround: Mycoplasma hominis (Mh) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) co-infection represents a significant public health concern, increasing the risk of urogenital complications in adults. However, its prevalence and clinical effects remain poorly documented. This retrospective study analyzes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of this co-infection among women of reproductive age, based on data collected at the Sino-Gabonese Friendship Hospital in Franceville (Gabon).
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed medical records of women of reproductive age seen at the Sino-Gabonese Friendship Hospital in Franceville (Gabon) between January and December 2024. Simple random sampling was used, with exclusion of incomplete records. Sociodemographic, gynecological, and obstetric data were processed using the R software, including univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 (95% confidence interval).
Results: A total of 257 medical records of women of reproductive age (mean age: 34.2 years) were analyzed. The prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis /Ureaplasma urealyticum co-infection was 36.58%. Factors significantly associated with this co-infection included low educational level (adjusted OR = 1.3; p = 0.01), previous genital infections (adjusted OR = 1.12; p = 0.02), and history of spontaneous abortion (adjusted OR = 1.4; p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion: This study identifies three significant clinical and socio-educational determinants of genital co-infection, suggesting potential targets for preventive interventions.
Keywords: Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Co-infection, prevalence, women of reproductive age, Gabon, Central Africa