Endocervical Swab Microbial Isolates among Women with Third Degree Uterovaginal Prolapse

Abstract

Background: Uterovaginal prolapse is the descent of the uterus through the vaginal canal. This may be a predisposing factor to infections in the urogenital system. This study aimed to assess the endocervical swab microscopy, culture and sensitivity in patients with third degree uterovaginal prolapse at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional prospective study to assess the endocervical swab microbial findings in patients with third degree uterovaginal prolapse using simple random sampling technique. Data on sociodemographic variables, risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse, and endocervical swab findings among women with third degree uterovaginal prolapse were collated and analysed using statistical methods. Results: The mean age and parity were 50.5 years ± 9.1 and 6.7 ± 2.0 respectively. Thirty-six (85.7%) of the clients were grandmultipara and 37 (88.1%) were farmers. Pus cells were present in all samples while 27 (64.3%) had microbial isolates. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated in 7 (16.7%), Streptococcus faecalis in 5 (11.9%), Escherichia coli in 5 (11.9), Staphylococcus aureus in 4 (9.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae in 2 (4.8%) and Yeast cells in 4 (9.5%) of the endocervical swabs. All isolates were sensitive to gentamicin. Bacterial isolates were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Conclusion: This study showed growth of pathogenic organisms from the endocervix of women with third degree uterovaginal prolapse. A 100% sensitivity to gentamicin was observed in the study.