ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF BACTERIAL VAGINITIS IN HIGH VAGINAL SWAB CULTURE

Abstract

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an
in balance in the vaginal microbiota, often leading to discomfort and abnormal
discharge, BV occurs due to a shift from lactobacillus dominance to an overgrowth
of anaerobic bacteria. This study crime to identify bacterial profiles and analyze
antibiotic susceptibility patterns from high vaginal swabs collected from women of
reproductive age.
Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Konaseema
Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra
Pradesh, India. In this duration period is 18 months (2024 January to June 2025), 475
high vaginal swabs were collected from gynecological clinic
Collected samples are sent to the microbiology department for direct microscopy,
culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing by using Kirby – bauer disc diffusion
method per CLSI guidelines, and biochemical test.
Result: Among the 475 samples, 242.25 (51%) tested positive for bacterial
pathogens the most common isolates were Escherichia coli (26.8%), Staphylococcus
aureus (25.5), group B Streptococci (11%), Enterococcus Species(10.1%), coagulasenegative staphylococcus (2.9%), klebsiella pneumonia (4.5%), pseudomonas
aeruginosa(5.3%), antibiotic susceptibility testing showed higher effectiveness
against gram-negative bacteria particularly for meropenem (9.09%), piperacillin
Tazobactum (9.09%), cefotaxime (18.18%) ,in gram positive bacteria
vancomycin(16.12%) , clindamycin (17.24%) , the study emphasizes the need for
complete investigation of aerobic vaginal pathogens in patient with clinical
symptoms of vaginitis.
Conclusion: In this study Escherichia coli (26.8%) identified as the most prevalent
cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in reproductive age women .this study
highlights the importance of regular screening and antibiotic resistance monitoring to
ensure effective treatment strategies.