Aetiology of vaginal infections in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Barbados.

The aetiology of vaginal discharge was studied in 175 Barbadian women. Pregnant women accounted for 52% (91) of the population studied. Candida albicans was detected in 45% of the women, bacterial vaginosis in 28% and Trichomonas vaginalis in 8.6%. Bacterial vaginosis was more common in non-pregnant women (33% vs 23%) whereas C. albicans was more common in pregnant women (49% vs 39). T. vaginalis was found with almost equal frequency in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Mixed infections were found in 10 women and an aetiological agent was detected in 75% of the women studied. These data emphasize the need for laboratory investigation of vaginal discharge since each of these infections can be treated effectively with specific agents.