American-Eurasian Journal of Scientific Research 3 (2): 195-198, 2008 ISSN 1818-6785 © IDOSI Publications, 2008 Corresponding Author: Dr. N.R. Agbakoba, P.O. Box 1562, NNEWI, Anambra State, Nigeria 195 Isolation of Vaginal Pathogens along with Genital Mycoplasmas from Asymptomatic Gynaecology and Antenatal Clinic Attendees N.R. Agbakoba, A.I. Adetosoye, I.F. Adewole and C.M. Chukwuma 1 2 3 4 Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, 1 Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria 3 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, 4 Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria Abstract: To examine the interaction between genital mycoplasmas and other genital pathogens from the vaginal tracts of women of reproductive age, 168 high vaginal swabs were studied microbiologically. Sixty (35.7%) genital mycoplasmas were isolated along with a total of 76 (45.2%) other microorganisms. Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis and Escherichia coli had prevalence rates of 16.7%, 11.9% and 8.3% respectively. Others are Staphylococcus aureus (3.6%), Trichomonas vaginalis (3.4%) and Beta haemolytic Streptococcus (1.2%). B-haemolytic streptococci had the highest interaction rate (100%) with genital mycoplasmas and was followed by T. vaginalis, G. vaginalis and C. albicans with 55.6%, 55% and 45.5% interaction rates respectively. Others had significantly low interaction rates of 7.1% for Escherichia coli and 0.0% for Staphylococcus aureus. Apart from Gardnerella vaginalis the prevalence of vaginal microorganisms were more from pregnant than non-pregnant women. Though the presence of all these organisms in the urogenital tracts of these women was largely asymptomatic, they could play various adverse roles in the long run. Key words: Vaginal pathogens Genital mycoplasmas Women INTRODUCTION the newborn infant and some can cross the placenta and The genital tracts of women consist of residents’ mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas in the genital tracts of microfloras which are made of a wide variety of species women was earlier investigated [3]. This study therefore some of which play useful roles to the healthy state of the was carried out to identify the presence of other likely vagina[1] while others reside there as commensals but pathogens besides mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas that may become pathogenic if opportunity arises. The might be present in the vaginal tracts of the women organisms associated with vaginitis are either part of the examined in this study. host’s own microflora or exogenous microorganisms that must interact with species present as part of the host’s MATERIALS AND METHODS indigenous flora [1]. Organisms in the vaginal tract may ascend to the cervical os especially during sexual Three high vaginal swabs were collected from each of intercourse and may likely cause infections there. Hence 168 female patients (114 pregnant and 54 non-pregnant) genital tract infectious agents may spread through the attending both antenatal and gynaecology clinics of the peritoneal cavity and toxins may produce extra-genital University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. One of the effects after being absorbed through the mucosa [2]. vaginal swabs was inoculated into mycoplasma broth; the Dissemination of pathogens through the blood stream second into ureaplasma broth and the 3 was inoculated occurs with N. gonorrhoeae and Treponema pallidum onto blood and MacConkey agar media. Wet thus genital tract infections can also affect the fetus and preparations and Gram stain were also done on the swabs infect the developing fetus [2]. The prevalence of rd