The Prevalence of Gonococcal Infection in Non Pregnant Women.

Background: There is little information about the prevalence and risk factors for Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Iran. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of gonoco ccal infection in women in Babol , North of Iran. Methods: Five hundred- fifty married women, who were younger than 45 years, were assessed of aspects of hidden and obvious gonococcal infection. A sample of endocervix was obtained for gram stain and culture for gonorrhoeae in chocolate agar medium. Socio-dernographic, behavioral and clinical variables also were recorded. Results: The mean age of these women was 32.3± 6.6 yr old (range 17 to 45 yr). The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis was 0.2%, 11.6%, and 4%, respectively. The case of NG was asymptomatic and did not have any risk factors for this infection. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the prevalence of this infection in this region is relatively low.