Detection of Gardnerellavaginalis among Women at Reproductive Age in Al- Medina Al-Munawwarah, KSA by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a popular condition, influencing a large number of women yearly and related with various wellbeing issues including preterm labor leading to low birth weight, pelvic inflammatory disease and procurement of the human immunodeficiency infection. The main manifestation of bacterial vaginosis is foul vaginal discharges and numerous influenced females are asymptomatic. Objective: This study aimed to detect G.vaginalis among women in the reproductive age in Al-Madinah AlMunawwarah, KSA. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional laboratory based study was performed on 119 HVS collected from patients who attended Maternity and Children Hospital and were clinically suspected with bacterial vaginosis, during the period from September 2016 to April 2017. Specimens were processed with conventional tests and positive results were confirmed by PCR. Results: 20 samples out of 119 (16.8%) were found positive for G. vaginalis, 31 samples (26%) for candida spp., 17 samples (14.3%) for streptococcus spp. In addition, the remaining 43 samples (36.13%) were found free from infection. Conclusion: In the target population, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis caused by G. vaginalis appeared with a significant percentage (17%). G. vaginalis infection was more prevalent among the age group 20-30 years (the reproductive age). In non-pregnant women, prevalence of G. vaginalis (43.3%) was significantly higher than in pregnant women (15.3%). PCR was found as a rapid and an accurate technique that can be useful in detection of G. vaginalis.