Journal of Cytology & Histology

Cytolytic Vaginosis: A Common Yet Under-Diagnosed Entity

Abstract

Shailja Puri

Objective: To study the incidence of cytolytic vaginosis among patients undergoing cervico-vaginal cytology for vaginal discharge, pruritis, dyspareunia and other symptoms. Cytololytic vaginosis is also known as lactobacillus overgrowth syndrome or Doderlein’s cytolysis. It is characterized by abundant growth of Lactobacilli resulting in lysis of vaginal epithelial cells.
Method: A total of 308 women presented to gynecological OPD. All of the patients were subjected to Pap test with the help of cytobrush. The cervico-vaginal smears were fixed in methanol, stained with papanicolaou stain and studied under microscope independently by two pathologists.
Result: Out of 308 patients, 190 (61.7%) had inflammatory lesion and were negative for intraepithelial malignancy. Out of 190 cases, 31 (16.3%) were diagnosed as cytolytic vaginosis based on clinical and morphological features.
Conclusion: Cytolytic vaginosis is a fairly common entity often misdiagnosed as candidiasis. Morphological features play an important role in identifying cytolytic vaginosis. The results of this study may contribute to reports in the literature indicating the importance of correct diagnosis cytolytic vaginosis leading to appropriate treatment.