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Epidemiology of vaginitis
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Vaginitis, a common gynecological issue, shows varying trends: candidiasis is rising in the US but stable in Scandinavia, while trichomoniasis has declined globally. Bacterial vaginosis remains the top vaginal infection in the US.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vaginitis is a frequent reason for clinical visits to obstetricians and gynecologists.
- Key causes include candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of the three major causes of vaginitis in the United States and Scandinavia.
- To analyze trends in incidence and prevalence of these infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data from the United States and Scandinavia.
- Analysis of incidence and prevalence trends over time for candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
Main Results:
- Candidiasis incidence has increased in the US, with more non-albicans strains, while remaining stable in Scandinavia (10-30%).
- Trichomoniasis incidence has significantly decreased in both regions over 15 years, partly due to metronidazole.
- Bacterial vaginosis is the leading vaginal infection in the US and affects a broad demographic; its prevalence in Scandinavia is around 30%, increasing with age.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological patterns of common vaginitis causes differ between the US and Scandinavia.
- Public health interventions and treatments like metronidazole have impacted infection rates.
- Bacterial vaginosis prevalence highlights ongoing challenges in vaginal health management.