Modified classification of microscopic evaluation of vulvovaginal infections

Czech version

Authors: J. Mašata ¹; M. Poislová ²; A. Jedličková ²; D. Mašátová ²; A. Martan ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika VFN a 1. LF UK, Praha, přednosta prof. MUDr. A. Martan, DrSc. ¹; ÚKBLD, Klinická mikrobiologie a antibiotické centrum VFN a 1. LF. UK, Praha, přednosta prof. MUDR. T. Zima, DrSc. ²
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2010; 75(3): 199-208

Overview

Objective:
The objective of the study is to examine the role of microscopy using stained smears for diagnosis of vulvovavaginal infections.

Design:
Description of different scoring systems.

Settings:
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Medical Faculty, Charles University; General Teaching Hospital, Prague; Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Microbiology and Antibiotic Center, First Medical Faculty, Charles University.

Material and methods:
Presentation of our practical skills in microscopic diagnoses of vulvovaginal infections.

Conclusions:
Vulvovaginal infections are a common problem which we encounter in daily gynaecological practice. Microscopic examination represents the gold standard in the diagnosis of vulvovaginal infections. However, providing microscopy in an outpatient setting is very time-consuming. The vaginal smear can be sent to a laboratory to stain and to be microscopically examined under oil immersion. For this purpose we recommend taking two smears for Gram and Giemsa stain and combining microscopical examination with cultures for detecting the presence of Candida species and for Trichomonas vaginalis. Where appropriate, it is also necessary to obtain cervical smears for detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonnorhoeae infection.

Key words:
vulvovaginal infections, Gram stain, Giemsa stain, bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, candida vulvovaginitis, trichomonas vaginalis infection, lactobacillosis.

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