Microorganisms implicated in vulvovaginitis among patients attending a teaching hospital in southeastern Nigeria

Vulvovaginitis is a common infection of the vulva and vagina with symptoms such as irritation of the genital area, itching, inflammation around the labia and perineal areas, strong-smelling vaginal discharge and discomfort while urinating. The etiological agents include bacteria, yeast, viruses, parasites, environmental factors, exposure to chemical irritants and allergens. Microorganisms implicated in vulvovaginitis among patients attending a teaching hospital in Southeastern Nigeria were analyzed using standard Microbiological procedures. High vaginal swab (HVS) specimens (100) were properly and aseptically collected from suspected cases of vulvovaginitis after ethical clearance was duly obtained from the University Teaching hospital. Pure microbial cultures were obtained after 24 hours incubation at 25 oC, on Nutrient agar, Sabouraud Dextrose agar and Blood agar plates. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. Ninety-six percent of the HVS specimens yielded microbial growth {bacteria (54%) and fungi (46%)}; while no growth was observed in 4%. The bacteria isolates include Staphylococcus epidermidis (42%), Escherichia coli (13%), Lactobacillus spp (30%), and Staphylococcus aureus (15%); while the fungi isolates include Candida albicans (50%), Candida tropicalis (30%) and Candida glabrata (20%). The study revealed that bacterial and fungal organisms are the commonest etiological agents of vulvovaginitis. Adequate and proper personal hygiene is very important in prevention and management of vulvovaginitis.