[A comparison of 2 clinical laboratory methods in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the sensitivity, the specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of two laboratory methods used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis; Gram stain and the Gardnerella vaginalis culture, in comparison with the clinical sings of vaginal discharge; homogeneous secretion, pH > 4.7, positive amine test and the presence of clue cells.


METHODS
A prospective, comparative and crossover type.


METHODS
This study was carried out in the Health Center "Dr. José Castro Villagrana" SSA, situated in Tlalpan, México City. From January, 1992 to July, 1996.


METHODS
3,142 women, from 16 to 55 years old with cervicovaginitis diagnosis, without previous treatment and sexual active life history.


RESULTS
By means of clinical criterion (33.1%), it was diagnosed 1,041 women with bacterial vaginosis. Statistical differences were not found between the culture and Gram stain in the presence or no-presence of bacterial vaginosis diagnosed by clinical criterion (p = 0.33) The clue cells were the best predictor of bacterial vaginosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The differences between both methods analysed were minimal and they didn't have statistical value so that, it is proposed the Gram stain as diagnostic method of bacterial vaginosis based on factors like speed, reproductiveness and low cost.
González-Pedraza-Avilés
A
A
Laboratorio de Bacteriologia, Centro de Salud Dr. José Castro Villagrana, Secretaría de Salud, México.
Inzunza-Montiel
A
A
Ortiz-Zaragoza
C
C
Ponce-Rosas
R
R
Irigoyen-Coria
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005840:Gentian Violet; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010619:Phenazines; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology
D004396:Coloring Agents; C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D005840:Gentian Violet
Comparación de 2 métodos de laboratorio clínico en el diagnóstico de la vaginosis bacteriana.