Bacterial vaginosis: prevalence, risk profile and association with sexually transmitted infections

Background and Objectives: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in the world. The study aimed to estimate prevalence and to identify risk factors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with BV. Moreover, the citology and Gram staining methods to diagnose BV were compared. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ouro Preto, Brazil, between February to December 2017. Vaginal swabs and cervical samples were analyzed for cytological abnormalities and BV using Gram staining and cytology. Pathogens causing STIs were identified by PCR. Results: During the study 341 women were evaluated. The prevalence of BV using Gram staining (32.5% [CI95% 27.7-37.7%]) and cytology (27.7% [CI95% 23.0-32.8%]) was similar, however the sensitivity of the cytology was lower (77.8%). Risk factors associated with BV were smoking (IRR 1.5 [CI95%: 1.1 - 2.1]), use of IUD (IRR 2.8 [CI95%: 1.2 - 6.5]) and past medical history of BV (IRR 1.5 [CI95%: 1.1 - 2.1]). It was observed correlation between presence of BV and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection (r=0.24). Conclusion: The prevalence of BV was affected by life habits and was prevalent in women with TV. Thus, behavioral and social prevention approaches to women with diverse risk profiles may help mitigate TV/BV prevalence and recurrence of BV.