Rapid diagnostic tests for bacterial vaginosis and its incidence in obstetrics

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in the obstetric and Gynaecology Department of Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from 1st August 98 to 30th October 1998. The purpose of the study was to know the incidence of bacterial vaginosis, which is thought to be the leading cause of cause of vaginal infections in the reproductive life and to evaluate the rapid diagnostic test. Fifty pregnant women attending prenatal clinic between 20-26 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The clinical diagnosis was based on Amsel's criteria that is the presence of homogenous milky discharge aided by microscopic identification of clue cells, a raised pH and Amine test by which addition to secretion gives rise to fishy odor. Overall incidence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women with homogenous milky white discharge was found to be 68%. These diagnostic tests were found to be rapid, inexpensive and sensitive requiring minimal apparatus, resulting in easy and quick diagnosis