Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF VAGINAL INFECTIONS, IT’S DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Debjani S., Suruchi O., Pooja S. and Prachi P.*

ABSTRACT

The human body is an abode for several bacterial and fungal infections. The human body contains at least 10 times more bacterial cells than human ones, increasing the tendency of infections. Common Bacterial infections enlisted are urinary tract infection, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and meningitis whereas the most prevailing fungal infections are onychomycosis, yeast infection, and athlete’s foot. According to a study on the intensity of yeast growth, the greatest percentage and abundant growth of yeast and genera of candida species are seen in women. The commonly reported health concerns of women to gynaecologist are vaginal infections; Vaginitis, vulvitis, and cervicitis contributing to 1.3%, and vaginal discharge to 7%. Hence, various treatment options are available including antibiotic therapy, herbal cure, and novel therapeutic strategies. This review focuses the spotlight on updates in treatment options for curing the vaginal infection. The reported cases of vaginal infections include infectious vaginitis and non-infectious vaginitis; diagnostics approaches comprise a combination of signs and symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory testing such as the Whiff test & Pelvic examination. Remedies and Drug regimens encompass Allopathic, Home Remedies, Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, and Unani treatments, and plant-based formulations like Panchavalkal(PVK) used in vaginal diseases. A scientometric and systematic review was conducted and the data were summarised and discussed. The scientific analysis indicated the interactive effects between the various vaginal infections, their causes, and diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Keywords: Vaginitis, Whiff Test, Plant-based Formulations, Panchavalkal(PVK).