Association between bacterial vaginosis and 25-Hydroxy vitamin D: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent vaginal dysbiosis in women of reproductive age.
• Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D deficiency, are potential risk factors for BV.
• Previous studies on the association between vitamin D deficiency and BV have yielded conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between BV and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.
• To clarify the relationship between vitamin D status and the risk of developing BV.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 125 BV cases and 125 matched controls in Gonabad County, 2021.
• Data collected via questionnaires, Whiff test, litmus paper observation, microscopic examination (clue cells), and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.
• Serum vitamin D was measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay; data analyzed with conditional logistic regression.

Main Results:

• BV cases exhibited significantly lower serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels compared to controls.
• Vitamin D deficiency (AOR: 4.34) and insufficiency (AOR: 3.65) were associated with increased odds of BV.
• Smoking and lower age at first intercourse were also linked to higher BV risk, while coitus interruptus and condom use were associated with lower risk.

Conclusions:

• Lower serum vitamin D levels are associated with an elevated risk of bacterial vaginosis.
• The findings suggest a potential role for vitamin D in vaginal health.
• Further research is warranted to validate these results and explore potential interventions.