The aim of this study was to evaluate the BD MAX™ vaginal panel in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis by comparing it with conventional methods: (i) combination of Hay criteria and presence of clue cells with predominant growth of Gardnerella vaginalis, (ii) yeast culture, and (iii) combination of culture, wet mount microscopic examination, and an alternative molecular assay. One thousand vaginal samples of women ≥ 14 years were analyzed; 5% of the samples belonged to pregnant women. 19.3% were classified as BV, in 33.6% yeasts were recovered and in 1.5% TV was detected. For BV, sensitivity and specificity were of 89.8% and 96.5%, respectively; for VVC, sensitivity and specificity were of 97.4% and 96.8%, respectively, and for T. vaginalis, the sensitivity and specificity were of 100%. The BD MAX™ vaginal panel is highly sensitive and specific and simplifies the identification of infectious vaginitis.
Keywords: BD MAX vaginal panel; Bacterial vaginosis; Gardnerella vaginalis; Trichomonas vaginalis; Vaginitis; Vulvovaginal candidiasis.