Vaginitis: case reports and brief review

Vaginitis is the most frequently gynecologic diagnosis encountered by physicians who provide primary care to women. Accurate diagnosis can be elusive, complicating treatment. Most experts believe that up to 90% of vaginitis cases are secondary to bacterial vaginosis, vulvo-vaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. The diagnosis of vaginitis is based on the patient's symptoms, the physical examination, the findings of microscopic examination of the wetmount and potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations, and the results of the pH litmus test. Additional cultures and testing may be needed for difficult-to-diagnose cases.