Microbiological Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnant Women in a Resource Limited Setting in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis or vaginal bacteriosis is a disease of the vagina caused by bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is an extremely prevalent vaginal condition and the number one cause of bacteria vaginosis among both pregnant and non pregnant women. It has been associated with a significant number of obstetric and gynaecologic complications such as preterm labour and delivery, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous abortion, chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis, post-caesarean delivery, wound infections, post surgical infections, and subclinical pelvic inflammatory disease. Aim: The study was to determine the prevalence of bacteria vaginosis in pregnant women and to relate them to age groups, occupation and also to identify other agents of vagina infection in the studied population. Methods: A total of 226 pregnant women attending Plateau state specialist hospital with suspected cases of bacteria vaginosis between the months of January to December, 2012 were studied. High vaginal swabs (HVS) were collected using aseptic procedure and processed within 30mins of collection using standard procedures. A drop of 10% KOH was placed over the specimen on the speculum and the odour was noted. The PH of the specimen was determined using PH indicator paper. A wet preparation and Gram stain was carried and examine under the microscope. Result: Of the 226 specimen examined 53 (23.5%) were positive for bacteria vaginosis. Thirty six within 16-20 years 8 (22.2%) positive, 41 within 21 to 25 years 14 (34.1%) positive, 26-30 years had 53, 19(35.8%) positive, 42 of 31-35 6(14.3%) positive, 35 of 36-40years 4(11.4%) positive and 19 above 40 years 2(10.5%) positive (P>0.05). Second trimester had the highest prevalence of 25(30.1) and least 11(25.9%) recorded by the first trimester (P<0.05), Subjects with tertiary educational status had the highest prevalent of 14(41.2% while those at primary level recorded the least the prevalent of 13(17.3%). For civil servants had the highest prevalent of 10(52.6%) while the least was house wife 7 (19.4%). Other vagina infections were Candida species (45.4%), Gardnerella vaginalis (38.7%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (16.0%). Conclusion: Bacteria vaginosis is very prevalent among pregnant women in the study area, its diagnosis and treatment should be included in the routine antenatal care of pregnant women.