Aetiology of vaginal infections in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Barbados.
The aetiology of vaginal discharge was studied in 175 Barbadian women. Pregnant women accounted for 52% (91) of the population studied. Candida albicans was detected in 45% of the women, bacterial vaginosis in 28% and Trichomonas vaginalis in 8.6%. Bacterial vaginosis was more common in non-pregnant women (33% vs 23%) whereas C. albicans was more common in pregnant women (49% vs 39). T. vaginalis was found with almost equal frequency in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Mixed infections were found in 10 women and an aetiological agent was detected in 75% of the women studied. These data emphasize the need for laboratory investigation of vaginal discharge since each of these infections can be treated effectively with specific agents.
Levett
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PN
U.W.I., Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001460:Barbados; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D007654:Ketoconazole