Nugent Score and Candida Colonization Among Women in Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Bacterial vaginosis are among the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharges and both represent consequences of imbalance in normal vaginal flora and pH.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and colonization with Candida among women attending Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics in a tertiary hospital.
Methodology: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study. Pregnant and non-pregnant women attending Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics in Uyo, Nigeria were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and self-administered vaginal swabs were collected by each participant. Nugent score was determined by Gram stain of smears of vaginal swabs while colonization by Candida was determined by inoculating each swab onto Saboraud’s agar and checking for growth of characteristic colonies after overnight incubation at 37°C. Chi square test was used to determine associations between variables.
Results: Nugent score was positive for bacterial vaginosis in 40% of participants and Candida colonization was present in 49.52% of participants. There was significant association between BV status and colonization with Candida spp.
Conclusion: There is an inverse relationship between BV and Candida colonization among participants in this study.

Keywords: Bacterial vaginosis, Candidiasis, Vaginal discharge, Uyo.