Longitudinal Study Of Vaginal Flora

细菌性阴道病是一种综合征，其中正常的乳酸杆菌为主的阴道植物群被混合的厌氧菌为主的微生物所取代。它存在于一般人群中10%至25%的女性中，是最常见的阴道感染。它与生殖健康方面的一些不良后遗症有关，包括艾滋病毒感染、盆腔炎、宫颈发育不良和妇科手术并发症。在怀孕期间，它与早产和产后母体感染的风险增加有关。然而，阴道微生物植物群仍然知之甚少。关于微生物植物群变化及其与BV相关性的纵向研究信息不可用。这项前瞻性观察性研究旨在提高我们对阴道微生物植物群的自然史和异常改变的认识，并确定与这些变化相关的风险因素。总共有3600名健康、非妊娠的育龄妇女被纳入研究，并在亚拉巴马的伯明翰接受为期一年的随访（基线访视加上之后每三个月一次，共五次访视）。通过面对面访谈收集有关社会人口状况、病史、卫生习惯、性行为和心理社会压力的详细信息。研究访视期间将进行常规妇科和牙科检查。收集阴道分泌物和血液样本。进行实验室测试以量化阴道微生物植物群并确定细菌性阴道病以及常见性传播疾病的感染。子研究评价了阴道植物群的每日变化以及停止冲洗的影响。

Bacterial vaginosis is a syndrome in which the normal Lactobacillus-predominant vaginal flora is replaced with mixed anaerobic-predominant organisms. It is present in 10 to 25% of women in the general population, and is the most common vaginal infection. It has been associated with a number of adverse sequelae in reproductive health including acquisition of HIV, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical dysplasia, and complications of gynecological procedures. During pregnancy it has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and postpartum maternal infection. However, the vaginal microbial flora remains poorly understood. Information on variation in microbial flora and its association with BV from a longitudinal study is unavailable. This prospective observational study aims to advance our knowledge of the natural history and abnormal alteration in vaginal microbial flora, and to identify risk factors that are associated with these changes. A total of 3600 healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age have been enrolled and are being followed in Birmingham, Alabama for one year (baseline visit plus once every three months afterwards, totaling five visits). Detailed information on sociodemographic status, medical history, hygiene practice, sexual behavior and psychosocial stress are collected through in-person interviews. Routine gynecological and dental examinations will be carried out during the study visits. Samples of vaginal secretion and blood are collected. Laboratory tests to quantify vaginal microbial flora and to identify infection of bacterial vaginosis as well as common sexually transmitted diseases are conducted. Sub-studies evaluate the day-to-day change in vaginal flora, and the effect of cessation of douching.