[Gardnerella vaginalis in reports of cervico-vaginal cytology]

Gardnerella vaginalis is a microorganism of great importance because of its participation in some gynecological diseases. Data contained in 3421 cervicovaginal cytology reports obtained from the Profamilia Clinic, Cartagena, Colombia between June 1993 and February 1994 were analyzed retrospectively and analytically. Cells suggestive of Gardnerella vaginalis were found in 723 reports, the greatest proportion being in the 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 year-old age groups (without statistical significance). There is a high frequency of Gardnerella vaginalis as related to healthy cervix and flux. Among the population with Gardnerella vaginalis a low percentage of neoplasia and non-classified atypical cell were found inflammatory reaction was reported in more than half of the cases. In 95% of the reports, Gardnerella vaginalis was the only agent found, the remaining 5% had associated HVP, fungus and trichomonas. Because of the medical staff responsible for taking the samples, cervico-vaginal cytology is an effective method for studying the state of the vagina and cervix.