Microbial flora in women showing symptoms of nonspecific vaginosis: applicability of KOH test for diagnosis.

The microbial flora of the vagina in 100 consecutive patients coming to a gynaecologist's office because of excessive and malodourous vaginal discharge was investigated. Anaerobic bacteria were detected in 66% of cases, and Gardnerella vaginalis in 59% of cases. Lactobacilli were present in 52% of cases, Candida in 19%, Chlamydia trachomatis in 6% and Trichomonas vaginalis in 5%. Among the anaerobic bacteria, various strains of Bacteroides or Fusobacteria were the most common. The positive predictivity of KOH test varied from 86 to 98%. Its specificity was equally good, but its sensitivity was lower, in the range 66 to 76%.