A Study of Isolates from Female Genital Swab Specimens in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Infective vaginal discharge, when left untreated, is a possible risk of acquisition of HIV/AIDS as well as other complications. To detect some common microbial agents of vaginal discharge in order to improve the current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge. A prospective study of female genital swabs collected from Obstetrics and Gynecology units of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano Nigeria and analyzed for microscopy, culture and sensitivity in medical microbiology laboratory from December 2007 to December 2008. Microbial agents were detected in 82% (n=1620) of a total 2000 female genital swab studied. Candida species peaked with 60.0% (n=1200) out of the 2000 samples, followed by Gardnerella vaginalis, an agent of bacteria vaginosis with 20.0%(n=400). The distribution of abnormal vaginal discharge was highest in young adults aged 21 to 30 years. The commonest microbial agents of infective vaginal discharge were Candida species, followed by Gardnerella vaginalis, an agent of bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal discharge was prevalent among young adults. We recommend prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infective female genital discharge, especially among the young sexually active group in order to reduce the menace of HIVtransmission.

Key words: genital swabs, microscopy, culture, sensitivity

genital swabs, microscopy, culture, sensitivity