Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal infection occurring in the women in the reproductive age group (pregnant and non pregnant), where the normal microflora of vagina i.e. Lactobacillus is replaced by an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobilincus and Bacteroides species. Early screening of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women shall prevent adverse outcomes. A total of 107 pregnant women (symptomatic) vaginal samples were collected visiting Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi. Three high vaginal swabs taken for each symptomatic patient from the upper part of posterior fornix. Morpho-texture of vaginal discharge and pH of the discharge was measured. The clinical criteria i.e.  Amsel Criteria was used in the study for BV. Further gram staining was done to quantify bacterial morphotypes, to identify clue cells and scored for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginoisis following Nugent’s scoring system. Out of 107 symptomatic samples, 52% cases were positive for bacterial vaginosis as per Amsel’s criteria. A significantly high incidence was shown in first trimester of pregnancy (0-3months) (33%) followed by cases of third trimester (7-9 months) (21%) and in second trimester (4-6 months) it lies to 17%. Among 107 samples, the prevalence was highest in pregnant women with first pregnancy (21%), followed by second pregnancy (15%) and with third or more pregnancy (13%). The study showed the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women of Bundelkhand region, including all three trimesters and various pregnancy scores. Pregnant women should be screened and treated for bacterial vaginosis to reduce risk of recurrence and adverse pregnancy complications.

Keywords: Bacterial Vaginosis, vaginal swab, Clue cells, Nugent scoring system.

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Dr R.K Saxena

Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Bundelkhand University