The diagnostic cytology of nonspecific vaginitis.

Diagnostic cytology has not kept pace with the general growing interest in nonspecific vaginitis (NSV). This study on 114 patients compares Papanicolaou vaginal smears with bacteriologic cultures, whiff test, gram-stained vaginal smears, and vaginal pH in the evaluation of nonspecific vaginitis. Cytology is a valid practical test for diagnosis for nonspecific vaginitis; however, it must be emphasized that the coccoid morphotype is the same as the Gardnerella morphotype. Perhaps the Gardnerella morphotype is the most typical of all the inflammatory typologies found in vaginal smears, and it was indeed one of the first to be described in the history of diagnostic cytology--albeit with a slight misnomer. The question is of considerable importance since NSV is the most frequent and persistent of all collapses of the vaginal ecosystem. Cases of NSV must be screened to prevent more serious diseases of the female genital tract.