Bacterial Vaginosis: Sensitivity and Specificity

3/4:

for Nugent score 7-10

Study: J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Mar;43(3):1304-8. PMID: 15750100

The clinical examination included a speculum examination for observation of mucopurulent cervicitis and evaluation of secretions for color, viscosity, and homogeneity. Vaginal specimens were collected for wet-prep microscopy (normal saline and 10% potassium hydroxide slides), whiff (amines) test using 10% potassium hydroxide added to the vaginal secretions, and determination of vaginal secretion pH (Phenazine Paper, Decon Laboratories, Inc., King of Prussia, PA).

Study: Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Jan;113(1):89-95. PMID: 19104364

on Gram stain, Gardnerella and/or Mobiluncus predominate with few or no Lactobacilli

The Nugent method is a standardized point scoring system (scores from 0 to 10) based on the presence of three bacterial morphotypes: large gram-positive rods (Lactobacillus spp.), small gram-negative or gram-variable coccobacilli (Gardnerella and anaerobic spp.), and curved gram-variable rods (Mobiluncus spp.) (16). A Nugent score (NS) of 0 to 3 is classified as the presence of normal flora, an NS of 4 to 6 is classified as the presence of an intermediate increase in flora (intermediate flora), and an NS of 7 to 10 is classified as BV.

Study: J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Mar;43(3):1304-8. PMID: 15750100

Adding 10% KOH to the vaginal discharge yields a fishy odor

(NOT diagnostic!!)

Study: Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2001;9(2):105-11. PMID: 11495550