Clinico-microbiological Profile and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Vulvovaginitis: A Prospective Observational Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Infectious vaginitis is a common clinical condition among pregnant women, associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes such as preterm labor, prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), and neonatal infections.This study aims to characterize the clinico-etiological profile of infectious vaginitis in pregnant women.Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at ELMCH over 24 months.A total of 95 pregnant women in different trimesters were included.Vaginal swabs were collected for pH analysis, Whiff test, Gram staining, and culture.Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was diagnosed using Amsel's and Nugent's criteria.Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0, with statistical significance set at p-value < 0.05.Results: The mean age of participants was 27.72 ± 4.73 years (range: 18-38 years).About 73.7% presented in late pregnancy, and the majority of women belonged to the lower and lower-middle socioeconomic class (91.6%).The most common presenting complaint was lower abdominal pain (61.1%), followed by itching per vaginum (21.1%).Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed in 34.7%, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in 25.3%, and aerobic bacterial infections in 17.9%.About 55.8% had vaginal discharge pH >4.5, and 54.7% tested positive on the Whiff test.Bacterial vaginosis was significantly associated with lower socioeconomic status, whereas VVC was associated with late-trimester presentation and itching (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Infectious vaginitis is prevalent in pregnancy, with BV being the most common diagnosis.The study underscores the importance of routine screening and early management to reduce complications.Further research is needed to evaluate long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with infectious vaginitis.
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7203533401