Bacterial vaginosis is a syndrome in which the normal Lactobacillus-predominant vaginal flora is replaced with mixed anaerobic-predominant organisms. It is present in 10 to 25% of women in the general population, and is the most common vaginal infection. It has been associated with a number of adverse sequelae in reproductive health including acquisition of HIV, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical dysplasia, and complications of gynecological procedures. During pregnancy it has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and postpartum maternal infection. However, the vaginal microbial flora remains poorly understood. Information on variation in microbial flora and its association with BV from a longitudinal study is unavailable. This prospective observational study aims to advance our knowledge of the natural history and abnormal alteration in vaginal microbial flora, and to identify risk factors that are associated with these changes. A total of 3600 healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age have been enrolled and are being followed in Birmingham, Alabama for one year (baseline visit plus once every three months afterwards, totaling five visits). Detailed information on sociodemographic status, medical history, hygiene practice, sexual behavior and psychosocial stress are collected through in-person interviews. Routine gynecological and dental examinations will be carried out during the study visits. Samples of vaginal secretion and blood are collected. Laboratory tests to quantify vaginal microbial flora and to identify infection of bacterial vaginosis as well as common sexually transmitted diseases are conducted. Sub-studies evaluate the day-to-day change in vaginal flora, and the effect of cessation of douching. The final study visits were completed in June 2003, and various analyses are underway. Abstracts on the sensitivity of culture vs. Gram stain at detecting Lactobacilli, and on hormonal contraceptives and the prevelnce of BV, were presented at the annual meetings of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Disease Research and the Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Disease Research, respectively. An abstract on the effect of cessation of douching on the incidence and persistence of BV has been submitted to the Society for Maternal Medicine.
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