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Pilot study comparing self-collected vaginal swab with clinician taken vaginal swab for the detection of candida and bacterial vaginosis

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Rute Velosa Vieira

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Abstract

Background/introduction: Vaginal discharge and vulvitis are common presenting symptoms in both sexual health services and general practice. Due to various constrains particularly in general practice, examination of a patient may not be possible. Syndromic management is often practiced but can be unreliable. Few studies to date have specifically looked at the validity of self-collected vulvovaginal swab for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).Aim(s)/objectives: To describe agreement between self-collected vulvovaginal swabs and clinician taken high vaginal swabs for the detection of BV and VVC.Design Case: controlled study with the patient acting as her own control.Setting: An urban sexual health centre. Participants: Women aged 16–65 years attending with symptomatic vaginal discharge, vulval irritation or an offensive genital smell. Interventions: Participants took a vulvovaginal swab prior to speculum insertion and vaginal examination during which a clinician took a high vaginal swab. Main outcome measure: Diagnosis of BV or VVC infection with samples analysed in a microbiology department using both microscopy and culture.Results: 104 women were enrolled in the study. Of these 45 were diagnosed with VVC. 26 were diagnosed with BV. Using the reference standard of laboratory testing, the sensitivities of self-collected vulvovaginal swabs for BV and VVC were 88.5% and 95.5% respectively. The Cohen’s Kappa score showed strong agreement for the detection of both BV and VVC (k = 0.842 and k = 0.878 respectively).Discussion/conclusion: Self-collected vulvovaginal swabs appear to be a valid alternative to clinician taken high vaginal swabs for detecting BV and VVC infections.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Barnes P, Vieira R, Chauhan M

Editor(s): Cassell J

Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)

Publication status: Published

Conference Name: 2016 British Association for Sexual Health and HIV Annual Conference

Year of Conference: 2016

Pages: A8-A8

Print publication date: 01/06/2016

Acceptance date: 01/06/2016

ISSN: 1368-4973

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd

URL: http://sti.bmj.com/content/92/Suppl_1/A8.1.abstract?sid=618b69a7-3392-484b-9d38-630375ab2cf6

DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052718.19

Notes: O020. Conference book also at: https://www.bashh.org/documents/Events/Conference%202016/BASHH%20Conference%202016%20Abstract%20Book.pdf

Series Title: Sexually Transmitted Infections

Series Editor(s): Richardson D

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