Article Text
Abstract
Background While the etiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is still not known, it is described as a polymicrobial condition that lacks lactic-acid producing Lactobacillus species with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and elevated vaginal pH. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between BV assessed by Nugent scoring of vaginal Gram stain and Trichomonas vaginalis infection among African American young women in the U.S.
Methods Stored vaginal swabs from a previously completed clinical trial were acquired for this study. The kinds of bacteria present in the samples were identified by classifying 16S rRNA gene sequences using high-throughput pyrosequencing. Vaginal smears were also categorized by the Nugent Gram stain score (0–3, normal; 4–6, intermediate state; 7–10, BV). TV genotyping was performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction,performed using TaqMan probes in a customized plate (Thermo Fisher Scientific; Waltham, Massachusetts). Descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the odds of TV infection among women with BV.
Results This study included 80 African American reproductive age women with a mean age of 21.4 years (SD: 2.11 years). Most (81.2%) women had graduated high school. 70% (95%CI: 37–59%) had BV, 13.7% had intermediate and 16.3% had healthy vaginal flora. TV was diagnosed among 11.1% (95%CI: 4–8%) of the women. Prior antibiotic use was low (3.8%), and 75% of women had not been treated for BV during their lifetime. Among those who were previously treated for BV, 60% were treated five or more time. Douching was reported by 49% of the sample. 55% of TV cases had concurrent BV, while 11.1% of TV cases also had intermediate vaginal flora. There were no association with prior antibiotic use, hormonal contraception, douching or prior treatment.
Conclusion Young African American women of reproductive age found to have abnormal vaginal flora should be screened for Trichomonas vaginalis infection.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.