Outcome of routine microbiological screening for lower genital tract infections in symptomatic non-pregnant females complaining infertility

Abstract

Worldwide, the risk for infectious vaginitis in young women generally starts as sexual activities begin. These infections may lead to long-term sequels including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and cervical cancer. So the study aimed to establish the different prevalence of lower genital tract infections in symptomatic non-pregnant females complaining infertility attending gynecology clinic. We analyzed total 920 women for the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida species, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococci. Their association with presence of lactobacilli and polymorphs were also seen. In our study population, high percentage of isolation of Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Enterococci with high percentage of antimicrobial resistance against routinely used antibiotics, suggest the importance of vaginal discharge culture and sensitivity in routine practice. We observed highest prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in our study population. Mono-microbial infection was more common than multi-microbial infection. Moreover absence of lactobacilli and presence of polymorphs came out to be important indicators for presence of these infections and to consider the health status of female urogenital tract. Our findings suggest that symptomatic female should be screened for these infections as the consequences may be up to infertility.