The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Infectious Vaginitis and Concurrent Infections among Married Women of Reproductive Age Attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics in Dezful, Iran, 2024

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ezatollah Ghasemi 1
Ferdos Farziani 2
Ramtin Saeidpour 2
Neda Torabifar 3
Maryam Azish 4
Fatemeh Riyahi Zaniani 5
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran. Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
2 Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
4 Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran. Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
5 Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran. Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, 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 was conducted with aim to investigate the epidemiological aspects and clinical characteristics of vaginitis among women attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Dezful.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2024, a total of 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 SPSS (version 20) and Fisher's exact test, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The prevalence of trichomonal, candidal, and bacterial vaginitis was 0%, 31.7%, and 24.4%, respectively. Totally, 15 cases of mixed infection with vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis were identified. The highest frequencies of both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis 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 common cause of vaginitis in the study population, with Candida albicans being the predominant isolated species. Bacterial vaginosis was the second most common cause of vaginitis and accounted for a considerable proportion of cases. In addition, no cases of trichomoniasis were detected in the present study, which may indicate a very low prevalence of this infection in the study population. These findings highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis in this region.
Keywords
Bacterial Vaginosis
Candida Albicans
Risk Factors
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Subjects
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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 29, Issue 4
June 2026
Pages 10-22