Abstract:

Background: Women at reproductive age are commonly affected by pathogenic bacteria colonizing the vagina, a condition that happens when the balance of bacterial flora in vagina is disrupted by shift in concentration of lactobacillus by pathogenic bacteria. Its significance sequel includes increased risk of urinary tract infection and PID. There is limited data on prevalence and pattern of pathogenic bacteria colonizing the vagina among non-pregnant women in Mwanza Tanzania. Therefore, this study will help to improve epidemiological knowledge and treatment of non-pregnant women attending gynecology clinic.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of pathogenic bacteria colonizing the vagina among non-pregnant women attending gynecology clinic in Mwanza (BMC, Sekoutoure and Sengerema hospitals).

Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between May to July 2023. High vaginal swabs were collected and processed to detect the presence of facultative pathogenic bacteria. Isolate identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were conducted respectively. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.

Results: A total prevalence of pathogenic bacterial colonization was 45.5% (182/400), Whereby 8.5% (35/400)-ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae,12.0% (48/400)-MRSA, 7% (28/400)-ICR and 4% (16/400)-VRE. The study shows risk exposure of vaginal bacterial colonization in the first group of women who are practicing vaginal douching is high compared to women who are not practicing vaginal douching. (OD 4.73, P<0.00 of 95% CI).

Conclusion: Women who practice vaginal douching were mostly like to be colonized with pathogenic bacteria and the most common isolated bacteria in this study was E. coli.