Bacterial vaginosis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of bacterial vaginosis in women with preterm labour.

METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study carried out in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Military Hospital and Army Medical College Laboratory, Rawalpindi. Non-probability convenience sampling was used and the study was completed in 12 months (from 1st January 2007 - 1st January 2008). Hundred patients in preterm labour were included in the study. An objective diagnosis of the type of discharge was made. The vaginal pH of the discharge was measured. Samples for bacterial culture were obtained. A wet smear of the vaginal secretions was made and examined under the microscope for clue cells followed by Whiff test. All information was recorded on a specially designed proforma and the frequency of patients with bacterial vaginosis was estimated.

RESULTS: A diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was made in 21% of the patients by the Amsels criteria. However, culture report suggested bacterial vaginosis in 18% of cases with most of the cases (56%) having normal flora. Overall, incidence of infection was 44% in patients with preterm labour.

CONCLUSION: The frequency of bacterial vaginosis in our study was found to be 21% in preterm labour