Value of vaginal culture in management of acute vaginitis

Objective: To evaluate the relative contribution of clinical assessment and vaginal discharge cultures in the treatment of acute vaginitis. Methods: A prospective observational study of 75 consecutive sexually active women with acute vaginal symptoms was undertaken. Each patient underwent an evaluation that included a standardized history, interview a thorough pelvic examination and vaginal culture. The treatment was administered based upon patient symptomatology and macroscopic appearance of vaginal discharge. Results: There was an agreement between initial diagnosis and culture isolates in 38 patients (50.6%). Of the 75 enrolled women 9 have not returned for reevaluation 8 days after initiation of the treatment. Fifty three (80.3%) of the remaining 66 women were free of symptoms 8 days after initiation of the treatment. The remaining 13 women were treated successfully in accordance with the vaginal culture result. Conclusion: A high cure rate of acute vaginitis could be achieved based upon physical examination. Vaginal cultures are valuable in initial therapy failures.