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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Vulvovaginitis in Prepubertal and Adolescent Females in China

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study conducted by researchers at Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, has explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulvovaginitis (VV) in prepubertal and adolescent girls. The study analyzed 4,644 cases of VV diagnosed between 2018 and 2021, revealing significant changes in the epidemiology and pathogenic patterns of the condition during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proportion of VV cases in the 0-6-year age group decreased significantly from 40.2% to 31.3% during the pandemic.
  • In contrast, the proportion of VV cases in the 10-18-year age group increased from 30.1% to 39.6%.
  • The major pathogens identified in 2020-2021 were similar to those detected in 2018-2019, with the exception of a decrease in detection rates of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and an increase in detection rates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that the sensitivity of Haemophilus influenzae to ampicillin/sulbactam and amoxicillin/clavulanate increased by 5.6% and 13.4%, respectively, after the pandemic, while levofloxacin sensitivity in Escherichia coli decreased by 20.3% after the pandemic.
  • The study provides evidence-based guidance for appropriate antibiotic use and facilitates the optimization of therapeutic strategies and lifestyle recommendations for prepubertal and adolescent girls with VV.

Statistics:

  • 4,644 cases of VV were identified in the study, including 2,427 cases from 2018-2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2,217 cases from 2020-2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic).
  • 40.2% of VV cases were detected in the 0-6-year age group before the pandemic, compared to 31.3% during the pandemic.
  • 30.1% of VV cases were detected in the 10-18-year age group before the pandemic, compared to 39.6% during the pandemic.
  • The sensitivity of Haemophilus influenzae to ampicillin/sulbactam increased by 5.6% after the pandemic.
  • The sensitivity of Haemophilus influenzae to amoxicillin/clavulanate increased by 13.4% after the pandemic.
  • The sensitivity of Escherichia coli to levofloxacin decreased by 20.3% after the pandemic.

Sources:

  • Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Vulvovaginitis in Prepuberty and Adolescent Females in China? A retrospective study of 4 644 cases during 2018-2021. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 2025.
  • Zhejiang University School of Medicine Reports Findings in COVID-19 (Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Vulvovaginitis in Prepuberty and Adolescent Females in China? A retrospective study of 4 644 cases during 2018-2021). China Weekly News. July 15, 2025; p 19.

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