Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Prof., Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
2
Faculty of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
3
Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
4
Dept. of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
5
Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
10.22038/ijogi.2026.92635.6596
Abstract
Introduction: Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida species, and certain pathogenic bacteria are among the leading causes of vaginitis. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological aspects and clinical characteristics of vaginitis among women attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Dezful, Iran, in 2024.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 167 women presenting with clinical symptoms of vaginitis were enrolled. Trichomonas vaginalis was detected using Giemsa- and Papanicolaou-stained smears as well as wet-mount preparations. Candida species were identified through culture on selective media. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed based on Amsel’s clinical criteria and the Nugent scoring system. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate logistic regression models.
Results: The prevalence of trichomonal, candidal, and bacterial vaginitis was 0%, 31.7%, and 24.4%, respectively. Fifteen cases of mixed infection with vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis were identified. The highest frequencies of both conditions were observed among women aged 24–33 years (49.1% and 52.5%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age revealed that vaginal pain was significantly associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis (aOR = 2.89, p = 0.036).
Conclusion: Vulvovaginal candidiasis was the most prevalent cause of vaginitis in the studied population, with Candida albicans as the predominant species. Bacterial vaginosis also accounted for a considerable proportion of cases, highlighting the importance of its recognition and management in this population.
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