title: A wet smear criterion for bacterial vaginosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a simpler criterion for bacterial vaginosis than the recommended criterion of Amsel.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study comparing diagnostic data with a recommended standard.
  
  
  METHODS
  Danish general practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  595 non-pregnant women aged 15-49 years who were gynaecologically examined, were divided into two groups in accordance with a complaint of vaginal discharge.
  
  
  METHODS
  The associations of pH > 4.5, homogeneity, amine odour, clue cells, and wet smear assessment of predominance of lactobacilli, Gardnerella vaginalis, motile rods with the criterion of Amsel.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The four components of Amsel showed a considerable variation of association. Predominance of GV was more highly associated than several of the components. The association of a wet smear criterion composed of the presence of clue cells in combination with predominance of Gardnerella vaginalis and absence of lactobacilli was superior to other combinations. In the group without a complaint of vaginal discharge, preceding screening with use of a pH-measurement seemed advantageous.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The wet smear criterion seems suitable for use in general practice. But before a definitive establishment, calculation of the reproducibility of interpretation of this criterion, preferably with a more explicit setting of the components, has to be carried out.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Hansen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007973:Leukorrhea / Q000382:microbiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology