BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS IN INDIAN WOMEN IN THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP

Abstract

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection in women in the reproductive age group with complex change in vaginal flora. Many women are asymptomatic but some women present with abnormal vaginal discharge. It can lead to complications like preterm birth, infertility, post partum endometritis and first trimester loss. Nugent's criteria are used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis. Objectives: This study was done with the objective of analyzing the type of bacteria causing vaginosis in different age groups during the reproductive period of a woman's life. 100 women with vaginal discharge (test group) and 50 women (control group) attending the gynaecology outpatient for other problems were included in the study. Three high vaginal swabs were taken and examined for clue cells and Mobiluncus spp. pH of the vaginal secretions was noted. Gram stain was done to quantify bacterial morphotypes. Diagnosis was done using the Nugent's scoring system. Results: A significantly high incidence (p<0.05) was found in the test group. 53% of women with vaginal discharge were in the age group of 21-30 years indicating that vaginosis is very common in the early reproductive years. Mobiluncus spp. was found only in the test group. 46% had an abnormal Nugent's score and 53% of test group women had all the 4 criteria to diagnose as bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: Screening asymptomatic women and quantifying the bacteria in symptomatic patients to provide appropriate treatment would reduce the incidence and prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the population.