Aetiology of vaginal infections in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Barbados

The aetiology of vaginal discharge was studied in 175 Barbadian women. Pregnant women accounted for 52 percent (91) of the population studied. Candida albicans was detected in 45 percent of the women, bacterial vaginosis in 28 percent and Trichomonas vaginalis in 8.6 percent. Bacterial vaginosis was more common in non-pregnant women (33 percent vs 23 per cent) whereas C. albicans was more common in pregnant women. Mixed infections were found in 10 women and an aetiological agent was detected in 75 percent of the women studied. These data emphasize the need for laboratory investigation of vaginal discharge since each of these infections can be treated effectively with specific agents (AU)