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The relation between vaginal pH and the microbiological status in vaginitis
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|December 1, 1985
Summary
A vaginal pH of 6.0 or higher strongly predicts infection, being more reliable than discharge type for identifying the need for microbiological tests in women.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Vaginal discharge is a common concern, often linked to infections.
- Assessing vaginal pH and microbial flora is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vaginal pH, microbial flora, and clue cells in women presenting with vaginal discharge or as STD contacts.
- To determine if vaginal pH is a reliable indicator of infection.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed vaginal pH, microbial flora, and clue cells in 89 women.
- Compared findings between women with normal pH (5.0-5.5) and higher pH (6.0-7.5).
- Excluded women who received antibiotics within 4 weeks prior to examination.
Main Results:
- A normal vaginal secretion was found in 55% of women with pH 5.0-5.5, versus only 14% with pH 6.0-7.5.
- Higher pH (≥6.0) was associated with increased prevalence of clue cells, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
- High M. hominis loads were significantly linked to higher vaginal pH.
Conclusions:
- Vaginal pH ≥6.0 is a strong predictor of vaginal infection.
- Vaginal pH may be a more useful diagnostic indicator than discharge type for guiding microbiological testing.