INVESTIGATION OF SOME MICROBIAL AGENTS IN VAGINAL AND ENDOSERVIX SWAP SAMPLES OF 18 – 50 AGED WOMEN WITH VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Abstract

Detecting sexually transmitted infectious agents in women by traditional methods is often troublesome. In this study, it was aimed to investigate bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis agents by culture, microscopic examination and molecular methods in women with vaginal discharge complaints. A total of 100 female patients aged 18-50 years, who applied to the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with the complaint of vaginal discharge, were included in the study. Gram and Giemsa staining, culture and multiplex PCR processes were performed from vaginal and endocervix samples taken with sterile swabs. Gram-stained specimens were evaluated with the Nugent score; the presence of leukocytes with polymorph nuclei, Clue-Cells, and different shaped bacteria. Culture-grown agents were identified at the species level by MALDI TOF-MS. There was at least one microbial agent in 63% of the samples included in the study. According to Nugent scores, 27 specimens were determined positive, and 39 specimens had intermediate values for bacterial vaginosis(BV). Candida spp. (29%), Streptococcus agalactiae (9%) and S. aureus (3%) grew in culture while M. hominis (23%), U. urealyticum (13%), T. vaginalis (9% ) and C. trachomatis (3% ) DNAs were detected by multiplex PCR. In our study, it was determined that vaginal discharge could be caused by bacterial, fungal, and parasitic microorganisms as well as bacterial vaginosis agents. It is very difficult, laborious and necessary to determine dysbiosis and infection in the vagina which has an important microbiome. Gram staining and culture methods are insufficient for the detection of vaginal infection agents. Therefore, it would be beneficial to use molecular methods in addition.