Characterization of vaginal discharge among women complaining of genital tract infection

Abstract

High vaginal swabs were collected from 360 women attending Al –Batnan medical center were examined microbiologically and the causative agents were isolated from 310 patients (86%). Bacterial vaginitis is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge and constituted 79.5% of total cases, with  (Staphylococcus aureus 21.8%, Escherichia coli 14.2% and Klebsiella species 13.6%) followed by candidal infections 13.6%. A comparatively Bacterial vaginosis (due to Gardenerlla vaginalis) (2.2%) was least seen as a cause of vaginal discharge.

 pH was > 5 in 83.3% of women complaining of abnormal vaginal discharge, due to bacterial infection but was, < 5 with candidal infections. 34 swabs (10% of cases) showed positive amine test. Pus cells were detected in 85% of cases. The appearance of the discharge varied according to the causative agents and pH; yellow-green purulent discharge was associated with pH over 4.5and Trichomonas vaginalis, white discharge with pH below 4.5 and Candida albican and grey, offensive, thin discharge with pH over 4.5 in those caused by, G. vaginalis infections. Abnormal vaginal discharge was the commonest symptom found in the age group of 26 to 30 years.