Frequency of microorganisms in vaginal discharges of high-risk pregnant women from a hospital in Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels may favor vaginal colonization by pathogenic microorganisms that can be associated with obstetric complications and neonatal infections. These pathogens include Candida spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus agalactiae. Objective: To determine the frequency of such microorganisms amongst high-risk pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a hospital in Caruaru, Pernambuco. Material and method: Analytical study in which samples of vaginal discharge were collected from women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, without restriction of age or gestational period. The samples were submitted to Gram-stained direct smear, as well as to fresh wet-mount examination and to cultures in Sabouraud and blood agar. Results: From May to December 2018, 92 patients were selected for sampling. The frequency of Candida spp. was found to be 31.52%. Concerning Gardnerella vaginalis, the frequency was 1.25%. The rate of colonization by Streptococcus agalactiae was 3.23%. No cases of Trichomonas vaginalis were found in this study. Discussion: The frequency of Candida that was found corroborates the literature, as it is a common infection during pregnancy due to hormonal increase. However, the frequencies of colonization by G. vaginalis, T. vaginalis and S. agalactiae were lower than those found in other studies. Conclusion: Due to the risks that these microorganisms can bring to a pregnant woman and a fetus, health professionals should be alert to signs and symptoms, requesting the screening of these pathogens, as well as treating gestating women when necessary.