ABSTRACT
Bacterial vaginosis is a polymicrobial condition. It is currently the most prevalent infectious cause of vaginitis. It has a strong correlation with many infective gynaecological and obstetrical complications. The aim of this work is to estimate the prevalence of Bacterial vaginosis in women attending Benha University Hospital, family planning and antenatal care clinics, and to assess the diagnostic value of different methods. This study was carried out on 500 asymptomatic women in their reproductive age, from September 2007 to September 2008. They were divided into two groups: [Group A] included 250 pregnant women coming for antenatal care. [Group B] included 250 non pregnant women seeking contraception. Bacterial vaginosis was reported in 40.4% of cases in group A [101 out 250 cases], and in 36% of cases in group B [90 out of 250 cases]. A vaginal PH > 4.5 was the most sensitive [100% in both groups], while presence of clue cells in gram stained smear was the most specific clinical criteria [100% in both groups]. Clinical observation of the vaginal disgorge was both the least sensitive and the least specific clinical criterion in group A [94.1% and 83.2% respectively], and in group B [88.8% and 87.5% respectively]. The most important organisms in B.V are gardnerella vaginosis and areaplasma urealyticum. It is concluded, that the amine and clue cells in wet mount are the most sensitive and specific criteria among 4 Amsel criteria. Also, the microscopic examination of Gramstained vaginal smears should be considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis because the clinical signs are subjective and affected by many factors not related to infection. However, still the 4 clinical criteria are excellent tools for guiding the diagnosis of B.V