Abstract
Introduction:Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most prevalent infections in women of reproductive age. Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring system are among the most commonly used diagnostic methods. Although Nugent scoring system is considered the gold standard for diagnosing BV, it is time consuming and costly, and its interpretation needs lab equipment and experts. Hence, most physicians are inclined to use simpler clinical criteria that are yet accurate instead. The present study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of Amsel’s criteria in diagnosing BV.Material and Methods:This present study was conducted to validate diagnostic tests of BV in 120 married women in 2013. Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring system were used to diagnose BV. Nugent scoring system was considered the gold standard and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Amsel’s criteria were compared with those of Nugent scoring system.Results:Kappa coefficient was used to assess the diagnostic value of Nugent scoring system and Amsel’s criteria. Kappa coefficient was found 0.8, which confirms the reliability of both diagnostic methods. McNemar test did not reveal a significant difference between Nugent scoring system and Amsel’s criteria in terms of diagnosing BV. As compared to Nugent scoring system, Asmel’s criteria enjoy sensitivity of 0.91, specificity of 0.91, positive predictive value of 0.86, negative predictive value of 0.94, and accuracy of 0.91.Conclusion:If lab equipment is not available for diagnosing BV, Amsel’s criteria can be as good as Nugent scoring system at diagnosing this infection.
Highlights
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most prevalent infections in women of reproductive age
Nugent scoring system is considered the gold standard for diagnosing BV, it is time consuming and costly, and its interpretation needs lab equipment and experts
Kappa coefficient was used to assess the diagnostic value of Nugent scoring system and Amsel’s criteria
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most prevalent infections in women of reproductive age. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most prevalent causes of vaginal secretions during reproductive ages. In Iran, it has been reported from 16.2% to 39.9% (Borjian, Shojaei, Shabanian, & Deris, 2002; Khoushkholgh, Masiha, &Asmar, 2007; Amini, Baghchesaraie, &Torabi, 2009; Shobeiri & Nazari, 2006). This infection is caused by a reduction in H2O2 producing lactobacilli, and an increase in anaerobic organisms such as gardenerellavaginalis, mycoplasma huminis and prevotellaspecies (Swidsinski et al, 2013). BV has several adverse effects such as amniotic fluid infection, chorioaminonitis, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, premature brith, increased incidence of pelvic infection after abortion, vaginal cuff www.ccsenet.org/gjhs
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