Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) often go unnoticed and sexually active young women are particularly susceptible to sexually transmitted Infections (STIs). STIs are among the top five disease categories and about one third of STIs globally occur among people younger than 25 years of age. Present study was carried out to know the socio demographic profile of women suffering from RTI/STI. Sensitivity and specificity of syndromic approach was also found.
Aims & Objective: (1) To know the socio-demographic profile of female patients attending the gynecology OPD with complaints of RTIs. (2) To find out the sensitivity and specificity of various diagnostic tests used for diagnosing RTIs.
Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 150 female patients who have attended the Gynecology OPD with complains suggesting Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) during March-September 2005. After taking Medical and Obstetric History, vaginal and cervical specimens were collected during pelvic examination for laboratory investigation to confirm the diagnosis of genital tract infection. 5 ml blood was drawn in sterile vacutainer for serology. Various laboratory tests were carried out to confirm the diagnosis of RTI.
Results: Out of 150 females patients of reproductive tract infection, 68 (45.3%) were less than 25 yrs. Mean age of the study population was 27.37 ± 5.52 yrs. Majority (133, 88.7%) of the females were housewives. The most common symptom reported was vaginal discharge (147, 98%), followed by lower abdominal pain (114, 76%) Findings of present study revealed that sensitivity of Homogenous white discharge (compared with gram stain) to detect the Bacterial vaginosis was 69.4%. Similarly correlation of Green Yellow frothy (GYF) discharge with culture examination for detection of trichomoniasis revealed, sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 99%, which means that all the cases labelled as not having GYF discharge also tested negative for trichomoniasis by culture. Sensitivity of curdy white discharge in detecting candidiasis was 69.1% and specificity was 99.1%.
Conclusion: Young married women are more prone to Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI). Abnormal vaginal discharge is the most common presenting feature among the sufferers of RTI/STI. Syndromic approach is highly specific in diagnosing RTI.
Key words: Reproductive Tract Infection; Syndromic Approach; Gynecology OPD
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