Nugent scoring system for bacterial vaginosis

The Nugent Scoring System for Bacterial Vaginosis is a clinical calculator used in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. This scoring system is based on the microscopic examination of vaginal fluid, specifically the presence and quantity of Lactobacillus morphotypes, Gardnerella vaginalis morphotypes, and curved gram-variable rods. The score ranges from 0 to 10, with a score of 7 or higher indicating bacterial vaginosis. The Nugent Scoring System is primarily used in research settings due to its complexity and the need for a trained microscopist. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing BV, but it may not be suitable for use in primary care or resource-limited settings where microscopy is not readily available. There are no specific exclusion criteria for its use, but it may be less accurate in postmenopausal women due to changes in vaginal flora.

Reference

R P Nugent, M A Krohn, S L Hillier. Reliability of diagnosing bacterial vaginosis is improved by a standardized method of gram stain interpretation. J Clin Microbiol. 1991 Feb;29(2):297-301.