Factors associated with absence of H2O2-producing Lactobacillus among women with bacterial vaginosis.
BACKGROUND
Women with bacterial vaginosis have different microbiological profiles. Our objective was to identify risk factors for an absence of H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli among women with bacterial vaginosis.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of 947 women with bacterial vaginosis who were enrolled in prospective studies investigating vaginal colonization and genital-tract infections.


RESULTS
Women were categorized into 2 groups: those with H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli present (n=191; 20.2%) and those with H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli absent (n=756; 79.8%). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that douching >/=2 times during the past month (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-6.0) and having >/=3 sex partners during the past year (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.8-11.7) were predictive of an absence of H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli.


CONCLUSIONS
Among women with bacterial vaginosis, H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacillus colonization is influenced by sexual activity and douching habits. These findings may have important implications for response to treatment, relapse rate, and risk for sexually-transmitted-disease acquisition among women with bacterial vaginosis.
Beigi
Richard H
RH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MetroHealth Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA. rbeigi@metrohealth.org
Wiesenfeld
Harold C
HC
Hillier
Sharon L
SL
Straw
Tara
T
Krohn
Marijane A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D016015:Logistic Models; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology*
D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide