microbiology of vaginal discharge and the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in a cohort of non-pregnant women in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

To examine the microbiology of vaginal discharge and to estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and its association with sexually transmitted infections in a cohort of non-pregnant women in Kuwait. Retrospective study conducted during a six-month period [November 2009 - April 2010]. The gynecology outpatient clinic at the South Ardyia Health Unit, Farwania, Kuwait. Retrospective evaluation of medical records of 668 women, who attended the gynecology outpatient clinic at the South Ardyia Clinic, Farwania, Kuwait complaining of vaginal discharge during the study period. Retrospective review of the files for complaints, history, clinical examination and investigations of the vaginal discharge. A retrospective microbiological study of the infective etiology of vaginal discharge, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and its association with sexually transmitted infections. Microbiological causes of vaginal discharge accounted for 43.4% of cases. The commonest causes were bacterial vaginosis [prevalence = 18.9%] and candida infections [prevalence = 11.8%]. There was no significant association of bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial vaginosis is the commonest microbiological cause of vaginal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease