Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis in Kashmir Antenatal Patients

Objectives: This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of bacterial vagionsis in antenatal patients who attended the outpatient department of obstetrics and Gynecology Govt. Lalla Ded Hospital Srinagar. Method: A total of 1000 pregnant woman in the age group of 15- 34 year were selected and all the woman were screened for bacterial vaginosis by gram stain and Clinical (Amsel’s) criteria. Results: Bacterial vaginosis was in 17.2% of patients by using gram stain and 11% by composite clinical criteria. Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in urban set up was 10% (26/260), 18% in rural areas (45/250) and 20.6% (10/490) in urban slums. There was no significant association between bacterial vaginosis and low educational level but there was a significant association between women with low income and bacterial vaginosis. The sensitivity and specificity of gram stain for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis considering Amsels criteria as standard was 96% and 93% respectively. Conclusion: The vaginal swabs taken at routine antenatal visits frequently come positive for bacterial vaginosis as symptomatic bacterial vaginosis is an extremely prevalent condition among pregnant women. Screening and treatment of asymptomatic infections should be performed early in the pregnancy so that the complication rate can be decreased.