ISSN : 2663-2187

STUDY OF PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF MICROORGANISM ISOLATED FROM HIGH VAGINAL SWABS (HVS)

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Saira Zafar, Rabia Tayyab, Sumayya Najam, Mubeen Younas, Rida Rubab Ahmed, Hirra Ghaffar, Hafiza Amina Iqbal, Muhammad Ali Zahid
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.16.2024.2808-2826

Abstract

Background: The human vaginal microbiota is crucial for maintaining the health and homeostasis of the female reproductive tract. Disruptions to this balance can lead to various infections, which can significantly impact reproductive health. High vaginal swabs (HVS) are essential for identifying microbial pathogens responsible for these infections. This study aims to explore the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of microorganisms isolated from HVS samples. Methodology: A total of 500 HVS samples were collected from women aged 18 to 65 years from a tertiary care hospital of over the duration of June 2023 till July 2024, and microbial pathogens were identified. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated microorganisms was determined using standard antibiotic testing methods. Additionally, biofilm formation capabilities were assessed for bacterial isolates. Statistical analyses, including chi-square and logistic regression, were conducted to explore associations between microbial prevalence and patient demographics. Results and Finding: Microorganisms were isolated from 82% (n = 410) of the samples, with bacterial isolates accounting for 78.3% (n = 321) and fungal isolates comprising 21.7% (n = 89). The most common pathogens included Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns revealed significant resistance to commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, with varying levels of susceptibility to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. Biofilm formation was observed in 48% of bacterial isolates, with 16% exhibiting strong biofilm-producing capabilities. Statistical analyses showed significant associations between microbial prevalence and age, as well as clinical symptoms. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the prevalence of various pathogenic microorganisms in HVS samples and the concerning trends of antimicrobial resistance. The identification of biofilm formation further underscores the persistence of infections. These results emphasize the need for targeted antimicrobial therapy and continued surveillance to guide effective treatment strategies in managing vaginal infections. Further studies should explore the role of biofilm-related chronic infections and the impact of emerging antimicrobial resistance patterns.

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