ETIOLOGY OF VAGINAL INFECTIONS IN PREGNANT AND NONPREGNANT WOMEN IN BARBADOS

The aetiology of vaginal discharge was studied in 175 Barbadian women. Pregnant women accounted for 52% (91) of the population studied. Cand ida albicans was detected in 45% of the women, bacterial vaginosis in 28% and Trichomonas vaginalis in 8.6%. Bacterial vaginosis was more co mmon in non-pregnant women (33% vs 23%) whereas C. albicans was more c ommmon in pregnant women (49% vs 39%). T. vaginalis was found with alm ost equal frequency in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Mixed infectio ns were found in IO women and an aetiological agent was detected in 75 % of the women studied. These data emphasize the need for laboratory i nvestigation of vaginal discharge since each of these infections can b e treated effectively with specific agents.