Vaginal biocenosis is a microbiological study to identify the microorganisms that live within the vaginal mucosa. The examination technique is relatively simple and consists in taking a smear, which is then subjected to microscopic examination.

Vaginal biocenosis , asstudyhas found application not only in the diagnosis of vaginitis, but also in the diagnosis of the entire lower urinary tract. In order to understand the validity of the performed research, the term biocenosis should be well interpreted. It is defined as a set of organisms colonizing a given area, closely related to each other. Thus, the vaginal biocenosis consists of bacteria and, in pathological situations, fungi and / or parasites.

The correct vaginal flora is primarily bacteria of the typeLactobacillus acidophilus , popularly known as lactobacilli. Thanks to them, a constant pH is maintained, and the acidic environment is an excellent line of defense against pathogens.

The vaginal biocenosis test is also known as the vaginal cleanliness test. This name results from the classification of vaginal discharge into a specific group on the basis of a microscopic image.

Indications for the study of vaginal biocenosis

The basic indications for vaginal cleanliness assessment include the diagnosis of vaginal inflammation. Targeted pharmacological treatment is possible thanks to the determination of the pathogen. It definitely speeds up the diagnostic and therapeutic process, and thus allows for quick elimination of unpleasant ailments. Macroscopic white or gray discharge is characteristic of bacterial vaginosis with fishy odors, usually without itching or burning. On the other hand, for vaginal trichomoniasis, vaginal discharge is characterized by intense, foul-smelling and foamy discharge, in most cases without itching or burning. Itching and burning are the domains of fungal infections, which are also easy to catch because vaginal discharge macroscopically resembles granulated cheese in appearance and consistency.

It happens that the symptoms of infection are not exposed to such an extent, so the suspicion of abnormalities in the vaginal biocenosis can be made on the basis of indirect features: recurrent vaginitis, urinary tract infections, childbirthpremature or difficulties in getting pregnant.

What does the vaginal biocenosis test look like?

The examination of the vaginal biocenosis consists in the microscopic evaluation of a vaginal swab. Of course, in order for the result of such a test to reflect the actual state of affairs, the sample should be taken carefully in order to prevent any contamination from entering. Therefore, patients are recommended to remain sexually abstinent a few days before the examination, and not to use drugs vaginally. The examination should be abandoned in the event of antibiotic therapy, as well as during menstruation. It is not advisable to perform skin care activities, such as vaginal irrigation or other more advanced hygienic procedures, the day before the procedure. Technically, the examination consists in inserting a speculum and visualizing the cervix, and then using a sterile cotton swab, a vaginal smear is taken, more precisely from the area of ​​the fornix. A sample prepared in this way is sent to the laboratory and is subject to microscopic evaluation. The waiting time for the result usually takes several days.

Results of the vaginal biocenosis study

The result of the microscopic evaluation of the vaginal smear is usually the classification to the classes / degrees of vaginal cleanliness developed by Kuczyńska. This scale is based on the number of lactobacilli present, on the presence of pathogens, including other bacteria and fungi, and on the presence of leukocytes, indicative of infection.

Grade I is normal flora, where the swab shows the presence of a large amount of lactobacilli, without the coexistence of pathological microorganisms, while stage IV is a significant disturbance of the vaginal biocenosis, where the amount of lactobacilli is scarce and the protective barrier has been lost completely unstable.

Alternatively, you can use the Nugent scale, which is dedicated to inflammations of bacterial etiology. The classification to a certain degree is related to the number of pathological bacteria. It is a 10-point scale where the score is 7-10 points. confirms high bacterial infection.

The correct test result confirms the good functioning of the protective barrier. Due to the presence of lactobacilli, an acidic pH is maintained, which prevents contamination. An incorrect result is a disorder of the normal vaginal biocenosis, but it should be emphasized that the examination itself does not recognize an infection, but only suggests its suspicion and prompts us to perform other tests confirming the pathology.

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