*Study Group of the Lower Genital Tract Pathologies Foundation, Córdoba, Argentina †Córdoba National University School of Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy–Department of Probabilities and Statistics.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity of the Papanicolaou smear in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Candida spp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of Pap smears we performed in 824 symptomatic patients. We compared Pap smear diagnoses with those obtained by standard microscopic examination and Gram stain of the exudate. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the Pap smear for Candida spp. was 31%, 57% for BV, and 51% for T. vaginalis. The specificity for Candida was 98.5%, 94% for BV, and 97% for T. vaginalis. The PPV for Candida was 85%, 70% for BV, and 57%for T. vaginalis. The NPV for Candida was 84%, 90% for BV, and 97% for T. vaginalis. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of Pap smears for Candida spp., BV, and T. vaginalis is inadequate for screening. Pap smear that are positive for T. vaginalis could be used to complement the diagnosis.