Bacterial vaginosis is associated with uterine cervical human papillomavirus infection: a meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV), an alteration of vaginal flora involving a decrease in Lactobacilli and predominance of anaerobic bacteria, is among the most common cause of vaginal complaints for women of childbearing age. It is well known that BV has an influence in acquisition of certain genital infections. However, association between BV and cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been inconsistent among studies. The objective of this meta-analysis of published studies is to clarify and summarize published literature on the extent to which BV is associated with cervical HPV infection.MethodsMedline and Web of Science were systematically searched for eligible publications until December 2009. Articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After testing heterogeneity of studies, meta-analysis was performed using random effect model.ResultsTwelve eligible studies were selected to review the association between BV and HPV, including a total of 6,372 women. The pooled prevalence of BV was 32%. The overall estimated odds ratio (OR) showed a positive association between BV and cervical HPV infection (OR, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.84).ConclusionThis meta-analysis of available literature resulted in a positive association between BV and uterine cervical HPV infection.

Comparison of Clinical and Gram Stain Diagnosis Methods of Bacterial Vaginosis Among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia

“…Gram stain diagnosis was based on a criterion score described by Nugent and considered positive if the score was 7-10. The Nugent criteria score vaginal flora as normal (0-3), intermediate (4)(5)(6), and bacterial vaginosis (7-10) [9].…”

“…The prevalence of BV varies widely among the different populations studies and it has been most widely studied among women attending publically supported sexually transmitted infection clinics, family planning clinics, and obstetrical clinics [3,4]. Higher prevalence of BV is commonly reported from developing country than developed country (35% vs. 24.8%) [5].…”

Chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus, bacterial vaginosis and cervical neoplasia

“…the association between hPV and bacterial vaginosis (BV) was described in pregnant women [2] or non-pregnant women [3]. One explication is host immune response variation [1].…”

“…First, the possible association among hPV, Ct and BV must be discussed. In a meta-analysis [3], 12 eligible studies were selected to review the association between BV and hPV (total of 6,372 women). the overall estimated odds ratio (Or) showed a positive association between BV and cervical hPV infection (Or 1.43; 95 % confidence interval 1.11-1.84).…”

Influence of human papillomavirus infection on the vaginal microbiome of women with immunocompetency

“…However, the biggest controversies lie in the study of the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HPV. BV, which is caused by a decrease of Lactobacilli and a predominance of anaerobic bacteria in the vaginal flora, is among the most common causes of vaginal complaints in women of childbearing age (7) . Many studies have shown a positive association between BV and HPV, even more consistently than those observed for other vaginal infections.…”