Association of Anemia in the Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis [ID 748]

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common dysbiosis in reproductive-aged women. Despite its prevalence and high reinfection rate, studies regarding risk factors of BV recurrence remain limited. This study examines the relationship between anemia and recurrence of BV. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records from University of Illinois Hospital and Health Systems, between January 1, 2015, and September 9, 2023. Patients with positive gram stain were included and categorized as single BV and BV multiple (two or more positive tests in a year). Patients were classified as anemic if their hemoglobin levels were measured below 11 g/dL and severely anemic if measured below 8 g/dL any point before a positive BV test. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed to assess anemia’s relationship with BV multiple relative to single BV. RESULTS: A total of 6,217 patients with positive BV tests were included: 4,882 single BV and 1,335 BV multiple. Bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference between single and BV multiple patients: 50% of single BV versus 57% of BV multiple patients were anemic prior to BV testing ( P <.001). In multivariate analysis with single BV as reference, a minimum hemoglobin of 11 g/dL or lower prior to BV testing was found have an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.18 ( P =.029) and a minimum hemoglobin of 8 g/dL or lower was found to have an aOR of 1.39 ( P =.011) for development of BV multiple. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Our study demonstrates a strong association between anemia and BV recurrence. Further studies are warranted to explore how nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, may exacerbate the risk of BV recurrence.