A comparison of yield from cervix versus vagina for culturing Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the agreement of culture results of Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis from the cervix versus posterior fornix in women with vaginal symptoms.

DESIGN

Same patient comparison of culture results from two sample sites.

SETTING

Twenty one general practices in Amsterdam and the east of the Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

Six hundred and eighty two women aged 15 to 55 years with vaginal symptoms, seen between 1 October 1987 and 31 May 1990.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

For each site (cervix and posterior fornix) the proportion of detected C albicans and T vaginalis. The sensitivity of the cervical swab related to the vaginal one. The percentage of concordance for both microorganisms.

RESULTS

In 248 (34%) women C albicans was diagnosed and in 38 (6%) T vaginalis. In 99% of the proven C albicans cases, the yeast was found in the vagina. In 94% C albicans was isolated from the cervix. Sensitivity of the cervical swab was 94%. In 98% of the patients a concordant observation was made regarding detection of yeast. In 97% of the proven T vaginalis cases the protozoon was found in the vagina. In 91% T vaginalis was detected from the cervical swab. Sensitivity of the cervical swab was 92%. The culture results were concordant in 99%.

CONCLUSION

The yield from the vaginal source was slightly better than that from the cervix for culture of both microorganisms. For screening purposes, specimen-collection for culture of N gonorrhoeae, C albicans and T vaginalis can be combined in one swab taken from the cervix.