title: Prevalence study of genital tract infections in pregnant women referred to health centers in Iran.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Pregnancy has its own complications such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, premature birth, low-birth-weight children, and infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of reproductive tract infections among pregnant women.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, 85 randomly selected pregnant women referred to the ambulatory care facilities of Ardal County, Iran, were recruited via a systematic classified random sampling. Questionnaires, clinical examination by midwives, and laboratory assessments were used to gather the required data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the laboratory tests, 71.76% of samples were infectious. Candida albicans (35.76%), Escherichia coli (17.97%), and Streptococcus (13.06%) were the most observed infections, with a higher prevalence rate of reproductive tract infections during the second half of pregnancy compared to the first half.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since the prevalence rate of vaginal infections was high among pregnant women, and apparent symptoms and clinical examinations alone could not be used for diagnosing these infections, considering vaginal tests during pregnancy in additionto other routine tests could be helpful.
authors.forename: Mahmoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mobasheri
authors.forename: Narges
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saeedi Varnamkhast
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karimi
authors.forename: Shayesteh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Banaeiyan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D060737:Reproductive Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult