Characterizations of Bacterial Vaginosis among HIV-positive and HIV-negative Pregnant Women

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Samuel Makanju Adelaiye*, MB.BS, PGDCS, FWACS; S. O. Shittu, FWACS, DRH.FICS; A.T. Olayinka, MB.BS, FMCPath, MPH

Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: Adelaiye, Samuel Makanju (MB.BS, PGDCS, FWACS). Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Email: samueladelaiye@yahoo.com

Published: September 12, 2015. DOI: 10.21103/Article5(3)_OA6

Abstract: 

Objective: The aim of this study was to find the characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among HIV-infected and HIV-negative pregnant women at ABUTH, Zaria.

Study design: Case control and laboratory-based design, conducted from August 2, 2011, to December 30, 2011. BV was defined using Amsel’s criteria, which uses 3 out of 4 diagnostic criteria to diagnose BV.

Results: Two hundred HIV-positive and 200-HIV negative women were included in the study. The mean age was 26.3 years with a range from 17 to 41years. The prevalence rate of BV irrespective of HIV status was 33.2%. In HIV-positive pregnant women, the prevalence was 46.0%; in HIV-negative pregnant women, the prevalence was 20.5% (OR=3.30; 95%CI:2.1-5.1, P<0.05). Hence, HIV-positive pregnant women were significantly more likely to have BV. BV was most prevalent in the age group of 30 to 34 years, with 49% positive, and in those with parity between 1 and 4, with a prevalence of 41.5%. It is least common in primigravidae with 19%. Prevalence among HIV-positive pregnant women whose CD4 >350cells/mm3 was 22%, and for those whose CD4 was <350cells/mm3 prevalence was 67% (OR=7.05; 95% CI: 3.7-13.3, P<0.05).

Conclusion: BV is more prevalent among HIV-positive pregnant women than their HIV-negative counterparts, and its occurrence is higher among those with the lower CD4 count; therefore, reducing the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women and improving the CD4 count among HIV-positive pregnant women would reduce the prevalence of BV and its consequences.

Keywords: 
Bacterial Vaginosis; HIV transmission; Amsel’s criteria.
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Int  J Biomed. 2015; 5(3):141-146. © 2015 International Medical Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved.