Factors associated with absence of H2O2-producing Lactobacillus among women with bacterial vaginosis

Abstract

Background: Women with bacterial vaginosis have different microbiological profiles. Our objective was to identify risk factors for an absence of H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli among women with bacterial vaginosis.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 947 women with bacterial vaginosis who were enrolled in prospective studies investigating vaginal colonization and genital-tract infections.

Results: Women were categorized into 2 groups: those with H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli present (n=191; 20.2%) and those with H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli absent (n=756; 79.8%). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that douching >/=2 times during the past month (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-6.0) and having >/=3 sex partners during the past year (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.8-11.7) were predictive of an absence of H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli.

Conclusion: Among women with bacterial vaginosis, H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacillus colonization is influenced by sexual activity and douching habits. These findings may have important implications for response to treatment, relapse rate, and risk for sexually-transmitted-disease acquisition among women with bacterial vaginosis.