Microbial Isolates And Antibiotic Sensitivity Among Pregnant Women With Abnormal Vaginal Discharge At Nuhu Bamalli Maternity Hospital, Kano

Abstract

Background: Abnormal vaginal discharge in a pregnant woman increases risk of complications such as abortion, premature rupture of fetal membranes, low birth weight and transmission of HIV to the fetus. Objective: To determine the microbial isolates and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnant women in Nuhu Bamali maternity hospital Kano. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study where semi structured interviewer administered questionnaires were employed to a sample of 200 respondents using a simple random sampling technique. High vaginal swab samples were collected from pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge at the antenatal clinic. Result: Prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge among pregnant women in this study was 5.25%. Young maternal age, low parity, lack of western education and unemployment were found to be associated with risk of abnormal vaginal discharge (p˂0.001). The prevalence of positive culture was 83.5% in women with abnormal vaginal discharge; C. albicans (33%), E. coli (23%), S. aureus (17.5%), Klebseilla sp. (7.5%), and Streptococcus sp. (2.5%). Eighty-three percent of microorganism were sensitive to Augmentin, 79% to erythromycin, 62% to Ofloxacin and 41% to gentamicin. Most of the organisms were resistant to amoxicillin and ampicillin. Conclusion: The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is 5.25% with C. albicans and E. coli being the commonest causes. Most of the organisms are sensitive to Augmentin and Erythromycin. Both antibiotics are safe in pregnancy.