2013, Number 2
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Enf Infec Microbiol 2013; 33 (2)
Changes in the vaginal pH in patients with cervico-vaginal infections
Sánchez HJA, Rebollo RMF, Paulin BJA, Rivera TJA
Language: Spanish
References: 22
Page: 61-65
PDF size: 117.86 Kb.
ABSTRACT
introduction. Normal vaginal pH is considered in a rank of 4.0-5.0, in sexual active women and those with normal menstrual
cycles. Some authors consider that measurement of vaginal pH and the test of Whiff could be useful to exclude abnormal vaginal
discharge.
objective. To evaluate vaginal pH value and cérvico-vaginal infections, as well as possible relation between pH value with
etiologic agent.
material and method. The study was based on patients who attended the DOC (Opportune Detection of Cancer) program at
the Laboratorio de Biología Celular de la Facultad de Medicina de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. A measurement
of vaginal pH and cérvico-vaginal exfoliative cytology was made to all the patients between autumn 2008 and autumn 2010.
results. A total of 341 women were attended, 6 were excluded due to bleeding. In Group A (negative to vaginal cervico infection)
130 women were included, and 205 in Goup B (with vaginal cervico infection). In Group A 46 (35.38%) patients had a pH of 5. In
group B, 74 (36.10%) had a pH of 5. With regard to the microorganisms that were found, the value of more frequent pH in each
was:
Trichomonas vaginalis pH 4, 100% of cases;
Gardnerella vaginalis pH 7, 40%; Fungi pH 4, 44,4%; cocci pH 5, 44,64%;
lactobacilli pH 4.70, 59%. The normal vaginal pH is in a rank from 4 to 5. In patients with infection by
Gardnerella vaginalis it is ›
5, whereas the rank before the cocci presence varies of 5-6. The infection by fungi appears with a pH of 4-5.
conclusion. Coinfections can apparently generate a pH in normal ranks, group of symptoms of cervico-vaginal infection with
an excess of lactobacilli and a pH of 4 exists. The measurement of pH must be accompanied by a careful study of the group of
symptoms in order for it to be considered a diagnostic tool.
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