Objectives/Purposes of the Study: This study aimed to explore the relationship between female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), sexually transmitted infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast among young women living in Schistosoma haematobium-endemic areas. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of young women, sexually active, aged 16 to 22 years in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in 32 randomly selected rural schools in schistosomiasis-endemic areas, the authors performed gynecological and laboratory investigations, diagnosed FGS and other infections, and did face-to-face interviews. Results: Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most prevalent current genital infection (23%), significantly more common in those who had urinary schistosomiasis (35%), compared with those without (19%, p < .001). In the FGS-positive group, 35% had human papillomavirus compared with 24% in the FGS-negative group (p = .010). In the FGS-positive group, 37% were seropositive for herpes simplex virus infection, compared with 30% in the FGS-negative group (p = .079). There were significantly fewer chlamydia infections among women with FGS (20%, p = .018) compared with those who did not have FGS (28%). Conclusions: Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most common genital infection after herpes simplex virus. Human papillomavirus infection was significantly associated with FGS, but Chlamydia was negatively associated with FGS. Women with FGS may have had more frequent contact with the health system for genital discharge. The results show the importance of the inclusion of FGS in the national management protocols for genital infections in areas endemic for S. haematobium and highlight a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis and genital disease management.

Cervical cancer is a major problem in women and it is important to find a suitable and acceptable screening method, especially among young in low-resource areas for future human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine follow-up investigations. The study sought to test the acceptability of self-sampling as well as the suitability of the specimen collecting devices. Ninety-eight young women from rural KwaZulu-Natal were enrolled between March and July 2014. Collected genital specimens were transferred to colour indicator cards for HPV detection. Participants answered a questionnaire where they described their experiences with self-sampling. Samples were tested for high-risk HPV using GP5/6+ PCR. Of the enrolled participants, 91 answered questionnaires and indicated that self-sampling was preferred by 51/91 (56%) women while 40/91 (44%) indicated preference for sampling by a doctor (p = 0.023). The majority, 64% were comfortable using a swab, 22% preferred a brush while 11% were comfortable with both devices. Of the 98 self-sampled specimens 61 were negative for HPV in both specimens while 37 were HPV-positive in either brush or swab. Of the 37, 26 (70%) were HPV-positive in both brush and swab (kappa = 0.743) and 11 (30%) were discordant. Self-sampling was acceptable to the majority of participants in this rural area. The Dacron swab was the preferred device, and can be used in combination with colour indicator cards for comfortable self-sampling, easy storage and transport of specimens plus detection.