title: Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis in a rural setup: comparison of clinical algorithm, smear scoring and culture by semiquantitative technique.
abstract: This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a rural set up and compare the smear scoring system to that of culture by semiquantitative technique. A total of 505 married women, who were in sexually active age group of 15-44 years, were selected from three different villages. High vaginal swabs, endocervical swabs, vaginal discharge and blood were collected and processed in the laboratory. Overall prevalence of 29% reproductive tract infection was detected. Endogenous infection was commonly observed (27.92%), and very low prevalence of STIs (Trichomonas 1.18%, Syphilis 0%, Gonorrhea 0%) was detected. Diagnosis of BV was possible in 104 (20.5%) women by smear alone and 88 (17.42%) women by semiquantitative culture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal - 576 119, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Devi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shriyan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rajaram
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jagdishchandra