Vaginal infection: Prophylaxis and perinatal outcome - A review of the literature

Vaginal discharge is the symptom that most often prompts a woman to consult a physician in order to determine the presence of an infection. However, m uch vaginal infection, particularly bacterial vaginosis, is nearly asymptom atic. In all cases, diagnosis is based on evaluation of the vaginal ecosyst em and demonstration of the presence of the suspected microorganism. Beside s bacteria,fungi (Candida) and protozoans (Trichomonas) are very common pat hogens and produce characteristic findings. When present during pregnancy, these infections have been linked to low birth weight and obstetric disorde rs. There is a great need for a full understanding of the connection betwee n what appears to be "normal" discharge in pregnancy and important adverse perinatal outcomes.