[Investigation of the epidemilogy of fungal vaginitis in 1000 patients (author's transl)]

Abstract

In the out-patient department and antenatal clinic 1000 patients were examined for yeast of the genital tract by the nickerson-medium. In 10.3% of the patients the cultures showed yeast. The wet-mount preparation examination under phase contrast microscopy was compared to the nickerson-medi-m culture. Patients with a past history of yeast infections or patients with an intrauterine device showed a statistically significant increase in the rate of yeast vaginitis compared to the control groups. Patients who had antibiotics or were treated with corticosteroids showed a higher incidence of yeast vaginitis than normal controls. Controls had a 9% incidence. The number of cases was too small for statistical analysis. The incidence of yeast vaginitis in patients on combined or sequential oral contraceptives was the same as in the control groups. The pregnant patients and obese patients did not show an increased incidence of yeast. High risk patients for yeast vaginitis are defined in which a culture for yeast is jusitfied. Especially antenatal patients in the last trimestre are a high risk group because of the possibility of neonatal thrush.