Value of vaginal culture in management of acute vaginitis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative contribution of clinical assessment and vaginal discharge cultures in the treatment of acute vaginitis.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of 75 consecutive sexually active women with acute vaginal symptoms was undertaken. Each patient underwent an evaluation that included a standardized history, interview a thorough pelvic examination and vaginal culture. The treatment was administered based upon patient symptomatology and macroscopic appearance of vaginal discharge.

RESULTS

There was an agreement between initial diagnosis and culture isolates in 38 patients (50.6%). Of the 75 enrolled women 9 have not returned for reevaluation 8 days after initiation of the treatment. Fifty three (80.3%) of the remaining 66 women were free of symptoms 8 days after initiation of the treatment. The remaining 13 women were treated successfully in accordance with the vaginal culture result.

CONCLUSION

A high cure rate of acute vaginitis could be achieved based upon physical examination. Vaginal cultures are valuable in initial therapy failures.