Cent Eur J Public Health 2005, 13(2):96-98

Association between Trichomoniasis and Bacterial Vaginosis: Examination of 600 Cervicovaginal Smears

Demirezen Ş.¹, Korkmaz E.¹, Beksaç M.S.²

¹ Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ankara, Turkey

² Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ankara, Turkey

To determine whether there is a relationship between trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV), cervicovaginal smears obtained from 600 women were stained with the Papanicolaou technique and examined cytologically. Thirty-six (6%) of 600 women were diagnosed as having Trichomonas vaginalis [TV(+)]. Sixteen (44.4%) of 36 TV(+) cases were observed as having BV [BV(+)]. Thirty-one of 564 TV(-) vaginal smears were also positive for BV (5.5%).There was a statistically significant correlation between trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (p < 0.05).
It is possible that TV might create an anaerobic environment, thereby changing the vaginal flora. This flora becomes a more suitable milieu for growing of anaerobic microorganisms. It can be postulated that TV might be the most important protozoan that contributes to the overgrowth of BV-related microorganisms.

Keywords: Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, cervicovaginal smears

Received: December 1, 2003; Revised: November 9, 2004; Accepted: November 9, 2004; Published: June 1, 2005  Show citation