Prevalence of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharges in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharges and to improve the current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge.MethodsA prospective study of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharge was carried out from December 2007 to December 2008. Samples of female genital swabs were collected from Obstetrics and Gynecology Units of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria, and analyzed by microscopy, culture and sensitivity test in Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.ResultsMicroorganisms were detected in 70% (1 400) of a total 2 000 female genital swabs studied. Candida species peaked with 42.0% (840), followed by Gardnerella vaginalis, a pathogen of bacteria vaginosis with 26.0%. The distribution of abnormal vaginal discharge was highest in young adults aged from 21 to 30 years.ConclusionsThe commonest Microorganisms of infective vaginal discharge were Candida species, followed by Gardnerella vaginalis, a pathogen of bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal discharge was prevalent among young adults. We recommend prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infected female, especially among the young, sexually active group in order to reduce the menace of HIV transmission.