OBJECTIVE: To establish and compare the prevalence of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization in the vaginas of nonobstetric women with and without vaginitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis GBS vaginal culture status of nonpregnant, estrogen-replete women 18 years or older presenting for annual gynecological examinations or vaginal infection. Subjects were classified into 3 groups: no vaginitis if symptoms were absent and examination results was normal; common vaginitis (CV) if microscopic examination revealed yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonads; or inflammatory vaginitis (IV) if examination revealed inflammation and immature squamous cells but no pathogens. RESULTS: Of the 215 women recruited, 147 (68.4%) showed no evidence of vaginitis, 41 (19.1%) had CV, and 27 (12.6%) showed evidence of IV. The overall prevalence rate of GBS was 22.8%. Vaginitis was associated with a significantly increased risk of GBS colonization (adjusted odds ratio: CV = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.2; IV = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-8.0). Logistic regression revealed pH higher than 4.5, presence of abnormal discharge on examination, and a women's complaint of current symptoms as significant predicators of the presence of GBS. CONCLUSIONS: Group B streptococcus colonization occurs more commonly in women with vaginitis. This suggests that disruption of the normal vaginal bacterial environment is an important predictor for GBS colonization.
OBJECTIVE: To establish and compare the prevalence of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization in the vaginas of nonobstetric women with and without vaginitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis GBS vaginal culture status of nonpregnant, estrogen-replete women 18 years or older presenting for annual gynecological examinations or vaginal infection. Subjects were classified into 3 groups: no vaginitis if symptoms were absent and examination results was normal; common vaginitis (CV) if microscopic examination revealed yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonads; or inflammatory vaginitis (IV) if examination revealed inflammation and immature squamous cells but no pathogens. RESULTS: Of the 215 women recruited, 147 (68.4%) showed no evidence of vaginitis, 41 (19.1%) had CV, and 27 (12.6%) showed evidence of IV. The overall prevalence rate of GBS was 22.8%. Vaginitis was associated with a significantly increased risk of GBS colonization (adjusted odds ratio: CV = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.2; IV = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-8.0). Logistic regression revealed pH higher than 4.5, presence of abnormal discharge on examination, and a women's complaint of current symptoms as significant predicators of the presence of GBS. CONCLUSIONS:Group B streptococcus colonization occurs more commonly in women with vaginitis. This suggests that disruption of the normal vaginal bacterial environment is an important predictor for GBS colonization.
Authors: C J Baker; D K Goroff; S Alpert; V A Crockett; S H Zinner; J R Evrard; B Rosner; W M McCormack Journal: J Infect Dis Date: 1977-03 Impact factor: 5.226
Authors: Daniel V Landers; Harold C Wiesenfeld; R Phillip Heine; Marijane A Krohn; Sharon L Hillier Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2004-04 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Shannon D Manning; Katie Neighbors; Patricia A Tallman; Brenda Gillespie; Carl F Marrs; Stephanie M Borchardt; Carol J Baker; Mark D Pearlman; Betsy Foxman Journal: Clin Infect Dis Date: 2004-07-16 Impact factor: 9.079