Vaginal microflora and its association with obstetric and gynecological disorders and other illness

ABSTRACT

To determine the vaginal microflora among women with recurrent vaginal discharge and its association with obstetric and gynecologic disorders and otherillnesses. Vaginal flora was determined by Gram stain of high vaginal swabs and culture. Results of this study have related the predominance of lactobacilli among the normal vaginal flora and its reduction with recurrent vaginal discharge. Reduction of lactobacilli number was associated with abortion, bacterial vaginosis, cervical pathology, urinary tract infection and intrauterine growth retardation. The depletion and non function of lactobacilli was influenced by intrauterine contraceptive device use, hormonal therapy and diabetes. Clinicians, should be alerted to the possible association of recurrent vaginal discharge with other illnesses such as urinary tract infection and diabetes and hence with reduction of lactobacilli in the vaginal microflora