The role of cytological smears in identification of bacterial infection and abnormalities in vaginal epithelium cells among apparently healthy married Sudanese Women

Abstract

Background: Vaginal infection represents a major health problem in most part of the world. Many factors have been identified as important causative agents that responsible for the development of vaginal precancerous and cancerous lesions. In Sudan, infection has been identified as a major cause. Aim: To determine the role of cytological smears in identification of bacterial infection and abnormalities in vaginal epithelium cells among apparently health married Sudanese Women. Methods: In this study 100 apparently healthy women were selected. Cytological materials were obtained by scraping the surface of the vagina. The obtained materials were applied with Pap Staining Method. Results: A total of one hundred samples of vaginal smears were included in this study, the age of the participant ranged from 20 to 70 years. Infection: Out of 100 samples 26 samples (26 %) had a bacterial infection, 3 samples (3%) had Actinomyces infection, and 71 samples (71%) were negative. Out of 100 samples 6 samples (6%) had acute inflammation, 5 samples (5%) had chronic inflammation and 89 samples (89%) were negative. Out of 100 samples 22 samples (22%) had inflammatory changes and 84 samples (78%) were negative. Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis appears to be the predominant cause of vaginitis. The conventional cytology for exfoliative cells from female genitalia by using PAP stain is routine, specific, and sensitive, technique easy and not expensive so it is ideal technique for screening.