Introduction: Vaginal discharge is the most frequent complain of the females of reproductive age group attending Gynaecology & STI OPDs. Even though it can be physiological or pathological in origin, its clinical presentation varies amongst different aetiological agents.
Aims & Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in sexually active females attending the tertiary care hospital, 2. To isolate & identify the causative pathogens and perform their antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, MKCG MCH, Berhampur on 210 sexually active females of reproductive age group attending outpatient departments (OPDs) of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Dermatology, presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge. Clinicodemographic datas were obtained and samples were collected with aseptic procedures. Various aetiological agents were identified based on the presentation, macroscopic, microscopic examination and culture of the samples as per the standard procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility of the bacterial and fungal isolates were performed as per the CLSI guidelines.
Results: Out of 210 clinically diagnosed STI cases with abnormal vaginal discharge, 44.2% were from age group 26-35 years. Candida spp was the most predominant pathogen isolated (31.43%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common Gram positive bacterial pathogen to be isolated (8.09%) while E. coli was the prevalent Gram negative bacilli (2.85%).
Conclusion: There has been upsurge of drug resistance candidiasis & bacterial vaginosis in reproductive tract infection associated with abnormal vaginal discharge in sexually active females. Early diagnosis and management of such cases by clinico-demographic studies and laboratory tests can help in reducing the occurrence.
Keywords: RTI, Abnormal Vaginal discharge, Candidiasis, Bacterial vaginosis
