ABSTRACT

The vagina contains dozens of microbiological species in variable quantities and is, therefore, considered a complex environment. Among the microorganisms, bacteria have important repercussions on women’s health. The present study was conducted to elucidate this type of vaginal isolates and their sensitivity towards currently used antibiotics. Infections of the reproductive tract are a major problem of women’s sexual health. They are commonly seen in women of reproductive age and usually present with vaginal discharge , which they include sexually transmitted infections (STI), bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis. The microbial flora of vagina is a complicated environment, comprising of many microbiological species in variable proportions. The normal vaginal flora is usually well maintained by a complex balance of organisms. 

Bacterial vaginitis can occur in any age group but more commonly diagnosed in females of reproductive age group. Diagnosis and treatment can be misleading if based only on clinical symptoms and signs. Candida spp. are normal flora of the vagina that eventually become pathogenic under some prevailing conditions, and thus present as a common etiology of vulvovaginitis. When prompt recognition and laboratory confirmation is not achieved, this could lead to devastating genital discomfort and a major reason for frequent hospital visits. It is a source of great physical and psychological discomfort as well as suffering. Vaginal discharge in women is sometimes caused by Candida and Bacterial vaginosis like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Culture and sensitivity testing are done from high vaginal swab (HVS) specimen collected from female students in MOUAU of vaginal discharge.

 This study tends to evaluate the microbial and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of high vaginal swab.This study evaluates vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis among female student in MOUAU, Abia state. A total of 100 samples of high vaginal swab were aseptically collected from the student. Standard microbiological methods were used to isolate and identify organisms in vaginal swabs. The bacterial isolates include Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Proteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Lactobacillus having the highest percentage occurrence 56.0% followed by Staphylococcus epidermis 53.0%. The fungi isolates include Candida albican, having the highest level of percentage frequency.