Abstract
Specimens of High Vaginal Swabs (HVS) of 135 pregnant women were examined to determine the cause of vaginitis in pregnant women in lseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria between August and October 1999. Study subjects were selected from patient attending selected antenatal clinics in public, private and mission hospitals/clinics in lseyin. Samples were collected from subject in lithotomy position using sterile cuscos bivalve speculum. Samples were analysed by using standard technique as described. A structured questionnaire was also administered in order to obtain vital epidemiological information necessary for the study as described. The data analysis was done using chi square test. Results shows that 45 (33.3%) were positive for Candida spp, 15 (11.1%) for Gardnerella vaginalis and 5 (3.7%) for Trichomonas vaginalis. Sexual activities of individual have no significant effect on prevalence of vaginitis while symptomatology was a major indicator of infection. The effect of educational attainment and religion on infection rate was discussed. Infection decreased with age of patients while infection distribution by age of pregnancy gave a confusing pattern and the factors responsible for this were discussed. Since vaginitis could be asymptomatic most time, the screening of all pregnant women with risk factors for preterm labour and premature rupture of membranes must be undertaken. Prompt treatment of cases is also recommended.
Key Words: Pregnant women, vaginitis, aetiologic agents, prevalence, Iseyin.