Is bacterial vaginosis a sexually transmitted infection?

Objectives: To determine whether the risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) are consistent with it being a sexually transmitted infecti on (STI) by comparing the characteristics of women with BV with those of wo men with infections recognised as being sexually and non-sexually transmitt ed. Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted among female pat ients presenting for diagnosis at a genitourinary medicine clinic in Sheffi eld between January 1996 and September 1998. Demographic and behavioural ch aracteristics were reported from patient records and a standardised questio nnaire was administered. Risk factor models for BV, two STIs, and two non-S TIs were compiled using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 8989 females under 45 years eligible for analysis, the p revalence of BV was 12.9%. Risk factors associated with BV included some in common with gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis and some that were not as sociated with these two STIs. Risk factors common to BV and the STIs includ ed having had more than one sexual partner in the past 3 months, having a h istory of a bacterial STI, being of black Caribbean ethnicity, and living i n a deprived area. However, BV had a contrasting age profile, being most pr evalent among those over the age of 30. BV was also more common in those wh o were divorced. Conclusions: BV is associated with some factors related to the acquisition of gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis. However, infection is not only det ermined by those factors and therefore factors other than sexual activity m ay be important in the development of the condition.