14th ICID - Poster Abstracts - International Society for Infectious ...

When citing these abstracts please use the following reference:
Author(s) of abstract. Title of abstract [abstract]. Int J Infect Dis 2010;14S1: Abstract number.
Please note that the official publication of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010, Volume 14, Supplement 1
is available electronically on http://www.sciencedirect.com
Final Abstract Number: 79.001
Session: Obstetrical-Gynecological, Surgical and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Date: Friday, March 12, 2010
Time: 12:30-13:30
Room: Poster & Exhibition Area/Ground Level
Type: Poster Presentation
Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis amongst women of child bearing age
E. O. Chima-Oduko, C.J. Uneke
Ebonyi State University, Abuja, Nigeria
Background: Bacterial vaginosis,previously known as non-specific vaginitis or Gardnerella
vaginits,is the most common cause of vaginal discharge.It may be the cause of up to one half of
cases of vaginitis in all women and the cause of from 10 to 30 percent of cases in pregnant
women.The clinical syndrome is now recognized as a polymicrobial superficial vaginal infection
involving a loss of the normal lactobacilli and an overgrowth of anaerobes. Bv has mostly been
associated to sexual transmission,though some controversy remains.It occurs commonly in
women with more than one sexual partners, and can also occur in women who are not yet
sexually active.Recent studies have confirmed its association with pelvic inflammatory disease
and adverse pregnancy outcome.The aim of the research was to determine the prevalence of Bv
infection among women of child bearing age with the view of evaluating epidemiological factors
and risk factors responsible for the infection among individuals within this category and identifying
possible ideal control measures.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 102 women of child bearing age ( comprising pregnant
and non-pregnant) in selected hospitals and laboratory in Abakaliki and Afikpo, Ebonyi State,
from December 2005 - march 2006, were screened to determine the prevalence of Bv among
them, using three standard diagnostic technique (wet mount, whiff test and gram stain). A
structured questionnaire was also administered to 23 subjects in order to obtain vital
epidemiological information necessary for the study.
Results: And to also link their laboratory result to the information and 16 (69.6%) tested positive.
The data analysis was done using chi-square tests. Results show 49 (48.0%) were positive for
wet mount, 58 (56.9%) for whiff test and 20 (23.5%) for gram stain. Age, douching, Use of IUD,
and sexual activities of individual had no significant effect on prevalence of Bv, while
symptomatology was a major indicator of infection.
Conclusion: Risk factors associated with significant infection were linked to ignorance of women,
gynaecologist and laboratory technicians of the existence of Bv resulting to non- diagnosis of Bv
infection, wearing of tight panties and poor hygiene conditions as well. Since Bv could be
asymptomatic, routine screening of women, visiting gynecology, fertility clinics and antenatal care
are advocated.