PREVALENCE OF VAGINOSIS AMONG STUDENTS ATTENDING

Vaginosis is one of the most prevalent vaginal infections among women in Africa and is caused by several behavioral, hormonal and sexual factors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vaginosis among students in Madonna University, Elele, Rivers state and to make recommendations on modifiable risk factors. A total number of 100 female students at Madonna University Teaching Hospital were recruited for this study. Individual consent was sought for and obtained from the subjects prior to sample collection. One hundred (100) high vaginal swab samples were collected from 100 female students following informed consent. These samples were cultured using blood agar, eosine methylene blue mannitol salt agar, sabouraud dextrose agar and cystine lysine electrolyte deficient medium. From examination, Escherichia Coli (4%), Staphylococcus aureus (40%) and Candida albicans (14%). were identified using gram staining and biochemical tests which include catalase test, coagulase test, motility test, oxidase test and indole test. Cultures of the bacterial isolates were inoculated on Mueller-Hinton agar for antimicrobial sensitivity. Sixty seven (67%) of the high vaginal swab samples of female students had positive growth while thirty three (33%) of the high vaginal swab samples of female students had negative growth. Age range of 21-23 years had the highest prevalence rate of bacterial vaginosis (BV) which is not significant (p>0.05). Prevalent microbial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Escherichia Coli in descending order. This prevalence varies by age, ethnicity, and risk factors such as sexual activity and hygiene practices. Furthermore, the data obtained suggests that the prevalence rate of bacterial vaginosis is relatively high and thus, suggest the need for a comprehensive health care education program aimed at reducing vaginosis prevalence.