15. STUDY ON LOWER GENITAL TRACT INFECTIONS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AT ≥ 35 WEEKS OF GESTATION AT THE NATIONAL HOSPITAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Pham Thanh Nga1, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao1, Nguyen Thi Phuong Chi1, Dang Thi Hong Thien1, Hoang Phuong Ly1, Le Thi Linh1, Duong Thi Van Anh1, Tran Thuy An1
1 National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical and subclinical characteristics and identify common pathogens causing vaginitis in pregnant women at ≥ 35 weeks of gestation at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology.


Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 124 eligible pregnant women. Participants underwent gynecological examinations and vaginal discharge testing (wet mount microscopy and Gram staining using the Nugent scoring system). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.


Results: The prevalence of vaginitis was 30.6%, primarily caused by Candida species (30.6%), while nonspecific vaginitis accounted for 4.8%. No cases of Trichomonas infection were recorded. Common clinical symptoms included abnormal vaginal discharge (52.4%) and vulvar pruritus (5.6%). A significant association was found between a history of vaginitis and current infection (p < 0.05).


Conclusion: Vaginitis in pregnant women at ≥ 35 weeks is mainly caused by Candida spp. Timely detection and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Article Details

References

[1]. Kairys N, Garg M. Bacterial Vaginosis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2024 Apr 22]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459216/
[2]. Messina A, Mariani A, Brandolisio R, Tavella E, Germano C, Lipari G et al. Candidiasis in Pregnancy: Relevant Aspects of the Pathology for the Mother and the Fetus and Therapeutic Strategies. Trop Med Infect Dis, 2024 May, 9 (5): 114.
[3]. Yao D, Tang X, Xue M, Zhu K, Li W, Chen Z et al. The effects of vaginal infections on pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study in China. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2025 Feb, 18, 25: 179.
[4]. Trần Thành Trung, Nguyễn Văn Lâm. Viêm nhiễm đường sinh dục dưới ở phụ nữ 18-49 tuổi có chồng tại huyện Định Quán, tỉnh Đồng Nai năm 2022-2023 và các yếu tố liên quan. Tạp chí Y học Việt Nam, 2024, tập 536, số 1, tr. 270-274. [cited 2025 Jun 12];536(1). Available from: https://tapchiyhocvietnam.vn/index.php/vmj/article/view/8699
[5]. Shawaky S.M, Al Shammari M.M.A, Sewelliam M.S, Ghazal A.A.E.R, Amer A.N. A study on vaginitis among pregnant and non-pregnant females in Alexandria, Egypt: An unexpected high rate of mixed vaginal infection. AIMS Microbiol, 2022 May 5, 8 (2): 167-77.
[6]. Nguyễn Thị Kim Anh, Trương Quang Vinh, Nguyễn Thị Lê Na, Nguyễn Thị Châu Anh. Nghiên cứu tình hình viêm nhiễm đường sinh dục dưới và một số đặc điểm liên quan ở phụ nữ mang thai 3 tháng cuối. Tạp chí Phụ Sản, 2020 Nov 2, 18 (2): 23-9.