Identification of the microbial flora of the normal and diseased vagina in pregnant and non pregnant women

ABSTRACT

The vaginal flora was studied in 100 sexually active women [mean age 30 years, range 20-38]. 50 were pregnant and 50 non- pregnant. Each group included 30 women complaining of heavy vaginal discharge and 20 asymptomatic. High vaginal swabs were taken and subjected to full bacteriological study. Nearly all women either symptomatic or not harbor pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The predominant microorganisms were G. vaginalis, Lactobacilli, Diphtheroid, Micrococci and Staph. epidermidosis. It was concluded that the vaginal flora was similar regardless of vaginitis or amount of vaginal discharge and the major difference was more prevalence of known vaginal pathogens [T. vaginalis and C. albicans] among women with vaginitis. No attempt was made to seek viruses, chlamydia and mycoplasma