Seroprevalence of Syphilis Infection in Individuals at Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The disease becomes very common among individuals with multiple sexual partners without protection. Aim: This research aimed at assessing the prevalence of syphilis infection in Cape Coast Metropolis and the factors associated with the transmission of the disease Methodology: 200 participants from Cape Coast were sampled and assessed for syphilis infection using Venereal Disease Research Laboratory syphilis test strips (a nontreponemal test) and positive samples were confirmed with Treponema palladium haemagglutination (TPHA) test. Questionnaires, reflecting the participant’s sociodemographic data were also administered. The results were analysed, to assess the relationship between various risk factors and syphilis infection. Results: The prevalence of syphilis infection in Cape Coast was found to be 8.5%, mainly associated with participants having multiple sexual partners and having unprotected and indiscriminate sex. Other factors found to be indirectly affecting the rate of infection were illiteracy, lack of knowledge and information concerning the disease. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of syphilis infection in the Cape Coast Metropolis is an indication that the disease is endemic.