Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in vaginal washing fluid (VWF) in women with a history of recurrent and/or treatment resistant vaginitis.
Methods: This prospective case control study was conducted in the gynecology clinic of the current hospital. A total of 64 women (33 with a history of recurrent and/or treatment resistant vaginitis as study group and 31 healthy women as control group) were enrolled in the study. The recorded parameters were; age, presenting symptom, educational level, socioeconomic status, frequency of vaginal douching (VD), peripheral blood leukocyte count, CRP levels in VWF, vaginal culture, fresh vaginal smear and urinalysis.
Results: The study group had statistically significantly lower educational level and socioeconomic status than the control group (p<0.05). The mean levels of peripheral blood leukocyte count and leukocyte count on the fresh vaginal smear, leukocyturia and VWF CRP levels were statistically significantly higher in the study group (p<0.05). In patients who had ≥ 3 times a week VD had also statistically significantly higher VWF CRP levels (p=0.012).
Conclusion: According to this study, recurrent and/or treatment resistant vaginitis is more common in women who have lower socioeconomic status/educational level and who perform more frequently VD, and VWF CRP levels may be a good marker for the diagnosis of disease.