Abstract

Background: Women frequently complain of abnormal vaginal discharge, which can be caused by vaginal diseases such as trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. Methods: 120 sexually active women (15–45 years old) were enrolled in the Department of Microbiology at the Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital in Bhubaneswar, India, between January 2009 to December 2009. The women were examined physically after an interview. To confirm the diagnosis of trichomonal vaginitis, candidal vulvo vaginitis, and bacterial vaginosis, vaginal swabs are collected and processed. Results: Among the study group of 120 women, majority of women belongs to urban area (70.8%), low socio-economic group 66.6%, illiterates 62.5% and 21-30 years of age (27.4%). Among the study group 29.6% were having bacterial vaginosis, 16.6% have vulvo vaginal candidiasis, and 9.1% have vaginal trichomoniasis. Conclusion: Microbial infections of lower genital tract are very common in sexually active women in reproductive age group. Nonspecific vaginosis mostly associated with Gardenella vaginosis, specific vaginosis with Trichomonas vaginosis, candiasis are very frequent. These infections in pregnancy cause adverse birth outcomes. Early and proper diagnosis and timely treatment of infected women including sexual partners is essential in cases of vaginal infections which requires laboratory assistance.

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