Objectives
To determine and compare clinical and microbiological features of vulvovaginitis in
prepubertal girls.
Background
Vulvovaginitis is the most common gynecological problem of childhood.
Methods
This study involves fortyfive
girls from 212
(5.38±2.9) years old? and twentysix
girls
from 312
(5.72±3.1) years old as a control group. Anamnesis and physical examination
were followed by vaginal smear, urine culture and stool analyses from both groups, and
the personal hygiene status and education level of the mother were determined.
Results
The most common symptoms among the patients were vaginal discharge (44.4%),
vulvar erythema (37.8%), and vaginal itch (24.4%). Microorganisms, isolated from
vaginal smears, were detected in 48.9% of the patients. Escherichia coli was shown in
the urine culture of three patients with vulvovaginitis (6.70%). In microscopic stool
analysis parasites were detected (45.9%). We found some relevant personal hygiene
factors, such as wiping back to front (42.9%), cleaning by herself after defecation
(89.3%), using toilet paper (60.7%) and wet wipes (21.4%), having bath by standing
(14.3%) and by sitting (46.4%), among patients. The questionnaire also showed that the
children wear tight clothing (35.7%).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls is related not only to
microorganisms but also poor personal hygiene, the educational status of mothers and
specific irritants.