PREVALENCE OF MICROORGANISMS IN HIGH VAGINAL SWABS FROM WOMEN PRESENTING WITH VAGINAL DISCHARGE IN OUTPATIENT CLINICS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Vaginal discharge, bacterial vaginosis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans, antimicrobial susceptibility, outpatient clinics
Abstract
Introduction: Consequently, the conclusions of this particular study corroborate the importance of performing microbiological analysis to recognize the root cause of the discharge. So, clinical signs and physical findings provide a clue to presumed pathogens, while clinical laboratory evaluation is essential for diagnostic confirmation of the etiologic agent. This is especially the case in clinical or diagnostic situations where patients display reinfections or chronic infections, and the microbial pathogen(s) responsible might not be apparent.
Objectives: To establish the prevalence and variety of microorganisms isolated in high vaginal swabs among women attending outpatient clinics with symptoms of vaginal discharge.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan over a period of six months. The high vaginal swabs were then obtained from 200 nonpregnant, adult female attendees aged between 18-45 years with vaginal discharge. Culture and sensitivity were done in order to isolate and sensitively identify bacteria and their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
Results: Gardnerella vaginalis was the most frequently isolated pathogen, 32 %, with Candida albicans 25% and Escherichia coli 18%. Some of the other microorganisms included were Streptococcus species, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis and fungal infections are the common causes of vaginal discharge, as confirmed by microbiological examination.
References
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Dr Shazia Tabassum
Assisstant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Parveen Shafi
MBBS, FCPS, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, HOD & Assistant Professor, Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi, Pakistan
Dr Hina Khan
2nd year TMO Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Ghulam Fiza Nida Badar
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GIMS Gambat, Pakistan
Dr Surraya Israr
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GKMC /BKMC Swabi KPK, Pakistan
Dr Kashmal Khattak
PGR 2, MTI Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan