Vaginal infections among pregnant women at Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan

Microbial infections of the vagina (vaginosis and vaginitis) among pregnant women are serious problems because they can lead to serious medical co mplications such as preterm labor, amniotic fluid infection, premature rupture of the fetal membranes, and low birth weight of the neonate [1], leading to high prenatal mortality [2]. However, proper identification and treatment will reduce the risk of pre term birth and its consequences [3]ntroduction: Microbial infections of the vagina in pregnant women are health problems that lead to serious medical complicat ions and consequences. This study aimed to investigate and determine antimicrobial susceptibilities of the causative agents of vagi nal infections in pregnant women. Methodology: A cross - sectional study of pregnant women (n = 200) was conducted between August and December 2008 at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Vaginal and cervical swabs were obtained from each subject a nd processed for isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms using standard methods of wet mount preparation, direct Gram smear, Nugent scorin g system, direct immunofluorescence, and cultural techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing o f bacterial isolates was performed using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS program version 12.0.1. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically si gnificant. Results: Of the 200 pregnant women enrolled, BV was detected in 49.8%, followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (31.3%) and Candida albicans (16.6%), with low frequencies of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.8%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (0.5%). Higher infection rates were recorded among subjects in the third trimester (71.6%) than in the s econd trimester of gestation (28.4%). No significant association (p = 0.7) between history of abortions and C. trachomatis infections was found. Gentamicin was the most active agent against Gram - positive and Gram - negative bacteria. Clarythromycin was the m ost active against Mycoplasma species. Conclusions: Pregnant women with vaginal complaints revealed various positive microbiology results. Such cases may require sp ecific medication. Routine culture of vaginal and cervical samples should be performed on a ll pregnant women during prenatal visits