Pattern of Microbial Colonization of the Vagina of Diabetics in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The pattern of microbial flora of the vagina of diabetics was studied, to advise on empirical regimen for the treatment of sepsis in diabetics with the lower genital tract as source. In 2003, microscopy, culture and sensitivity of high vaginal swabs from 60 consecutive non-insulin-dependent diabetics and 20 non-diabetics attending Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, Ibadan were done. The fasting plasma glucose was estimated. The prevalence of micro-organisms decreased with duration of diabetes. The isolates were Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida species, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella species, Enterococcus faecalis, and viridans Streptococcus. Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli were incriminated in Gram negative bacilli (GNB) bacteraemia in diabetics in this environment. In addition to metronidazole, ceftazidime or ceftriazone should be used as first line drugs, while the quinolones should be reserved for the treatment of sepsis in diabetics where lower genital tract is the likely source of infection.