Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women and efficacy of rapid diagnostic tests in its diagnosis

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings and compare the efficacy of rapid diagnostic tests, namely a vaginal pH > 4.5, positive amine test and presence of clue cells. An observational study. Study period Form 1st Mar 2006 to 30th Apr. 2006. Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi. One hundred and thirty pregnant women were included in this study, attending antenatal clinic, irrespective of duration of their pregnancies, with the history of homogenous white vaginal discharge. Diagnosis was based on increased level of vaginal pH [>4.5], positive amine test and presence of clue cells on cytology of vaginal discharge. Overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among the study group was found to be 55.38% [72 patients]. The level of vaginal pH was greater than 4.5 in fifty one patients [70.83%], amine test was positive in forty six patients [63.88%] and clue cells were demonstrated in 72 patients [100%]. The presence of clue cells is the most sensitive amongst the rapid diagnostic tests. A vaginal pH of more than 4.5, positive amine test and presence of clue cells [Amsel's criteria], proved to be reliable diagnostic tests for bacterial vaginosis