Isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of microorganisms from vaginal swab in a rural tertiary care hospital

Aim: To study the prevalence of pathogenic organisms and sensitivity patterns of various isolates from vaginal swab. Method: Samples from October 2016 to October 2017 which had come to the Department of Microbiology at East Point College of Medical Science and Research Centre were included in the study. 120 Vaginal swab samples were collected and direct examined, microscopic Gram stain examination and culture techniques. Isolated microorganisms were identified using microscopical, morphological, biochemical tests. The results showed that positive vaginal cultures were detected in 52 (43.33%) women patients. Further antimicrobial sensitivity analysis were done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: These isolates were distributed between Gram- positive bacteria 17 (32.69%), Gram- negative bacteria 32 (61.53%) and fungi 3 (5.76%). The most frequent microorganisms isolated were Escherichia coli 17 (32.69%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 11 (21.15%), Klebsiella pneumonia 9 (17.30%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (CONS) 6 (11.53%), Acinetobacter species 3 (5.76%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (5.76%), and Candida albicans 3(5.76%). The highest prevalence of vaginal infections were observed in the age group (20-50) years were 49 (94.23%), followed by greater than 51 age group were 3 (5.76%).Antimicrobial sensitivity analysis showed higher percentage of sensitivity to Piperacillin/Tazobactum (94%) in Escherichia coli, followed by Amikacin (81.81%) in Staphylococcus aureus, Meropenem (88.88%) in Klebsiella pneumonia, Meropenem (100%) in Acinetobacter species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gentamicin showed 100% for CONS. Conclusion: Vaginal infections were more commonly found in 20-50 age group in our study, Gram negative organisms were highly susceptible to Meropenem and Piperacillin/Tazobactum followed by Gram positive organisms to Amikacin and Gentamicin.