Distribution and risk factors of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in England: an epidemiological study using electronic health records from sexually transmitted infection clinics, 2009–2011

SUMMARYWe used data from the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Dataset (GUMCAD) over a 3-year period (2009–2011) to investigate the distribution and risk factors ofTrichomonas vaginalisinfection in England. Socio-demographic and clinical risk factors associated with a diagnosis ofT. vaginaliswere explored using multivariable logistic regression. Rates ofT. vaginalisinfection were highest in London and the West Midlands. For men and women,T. vaginalisinfection was significantly associated with: older age compared to those aged 20–24 years, non-white ethnicity (in particular black Caribbean and black ‘other’ ethnic groups), and birth in the Caribbeanvs. birth in the UK. Current gonorrhoea or chlamydia infection was associated with a diagnosis ofT. vaginalisin women. Further research is required to assess the public health impact and cost-effectiveness of introducing targeted screening for women at high risk of infection in areas of higher prevalence.