Bacterial vaginosis: diagnosis and associations in vaginal discharge

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of BV in obstetrics and gynecological clinics, its rapid diagnosis regimen and its possible associations. 180 patients, 16-55 years old, were included. All patients complaining of vaginal discharge, were clinically examined and subjected to approved rapid diagnostic techniques, isolation and identification of Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes and the detection of urological mycoplasma. It was shown that no association could be found between G. vaginalis and other forms of vaginitis, namely, Trichomonas vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis. Rapid diagnosis using a vaginal discharge pH of >5 and Gram stained smear were extremely easy and reliable showing acceptable degrees of specificity and sensitivity. In fact, these handy tools might give clues to early diagnosis and better management before the results of any cumbersome sophisticated investigations