Cytological Assessment of Vaginal Discharge among Women in Khartoum Teaching Hospital

Abstract

This is descriptive study carried out in Khartoum Teaching Hospital during the period from May 2005 to December 2005. The study assessed the causes of vaginal discharge among women, using cytological methods (papanicolaou techniques). Fifty samples were collected from women, their ages ranging from 20 - 45 years. The cytological smears revealed the following findings. Normal (physiological discharge) was found in 39 (78%) of the study subjects. Hence, abnormal cytological findings were detected among 11 (22%) of the study population these, Include 8 (16%) were monilia, 2 (4%) Trichomonas vaginalis and 1 (2%) dyskaryosis. White discharge was observed among 40 (80%). Hence, 35 (87.5%) of white discharges were found normal. Six (60%) of yellow discharges were found in association with causes. Twenty-five (86.2%) of non offensive discharges were found normal. However, 7 (33.3%) of offensive discharges were found in association with different causes. Monilia and trichomonas vaginalis smears showed inflammatory changes. However, both smears accompanied with polymorphnuclear- leucocytes infiltration. On the basis of this study, cytological assessment of vaginal discharges is essential for diagnosis of female genital tract inflammation, pre-malignant and malignant conditions. We recommended the use of cytology to define where it may hide early pre malignant changes.