The prevalence of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Bacterial Vaginosis in Women with Unexplained Infertility Problems

Background and Aim : Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a polymicrobial syndrome described by vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, odorous, and/or burning. BV can occur when vaginal lactobacilli are replaced by different anaerobic bacteria. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women with unexplained infertility problemsMethods : A total of ۱۰۰ infertile women, who referred to obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Tabriz City for suspected vaginal infections, were tested for possible BV. Interviews were performed to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, history and characteristics of vaginal discharge. BV was diagnosed by laboratory methods according to the Amsel criteria. The presence of Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Ureaplasma urealyticum was verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers on the DNA extracted from the vaginal specimens.Results : : Among women tested for suspected vaginal infections, ۳۶ cases of BV (۲۳ symptomatic and ۱۳ Asymptomatic) were confirmed using defined criteria. In ۵۸% (۲۱/۳۶) and ۴۱% (۱۵/۳۶) of these BV cases, the presence of G. vaginalis and A. vaginae was confirmed by PCR, respectively. The prevalence of U. urealyticum, M. genitalium, and N. gonorrhea were as ۲۱%, ۱۰%, and ۴%, respectively. Conclusion : The prevalence of BV was high among patients with unexplained infertility. The cultural and socio-economic factors contribute to the risk of the condition.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bacterial vaginosis ، Infertility ، Gardnerella vaginalis ، Atopobium vaginae