Publication:

Isolation and characterization of organisms in high vaginal swab culture in preterm pregnancy (28-37 week)

Background The study was performed to isolate, identify and determine the antibiotic sensitivity profile of the pathogens in the genital tract of preterm pregnant women (28 week- 37 week) gestation to the prevention of preterm delivery, pPROM, chorioamnionitis, neonatal, puerperal and maternal- foetal infections.

Methods The present perspective study in S. C. B. medical college, Cuttack was conducted in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from January 2014 to September 2015 in 100 patients with singleton pregnancy. The cases for study were selected randomly from the patients attending O and G OPD or admitted to the labour room or antenatal ward. Each of the patients was informed about the type, quality, and consequence of the study as well as their role in this particular participation. Valid consents were obtained from each patient who showed their cooperation. Under available aseptic conditions high vaginal swabs were collected with a commercially available collection and transport system for isolation of pathogens present in the genital tract of preterm pregnant women having gestational age 28 week-37 week. The samples were examined in the Department of Microbiology in S. C. B. medical college, Cuttack.

Results We have isolated the most common organism in preterm pregnancy is the E. coli amounting 34% followed by Candidial spp. 21%. Then comes Enterococci scoring 10%, then Staphylococci 8%, Gardenerella vaginalis 7%. Eventually Group B Streptococcus 5%. However, there is about more number of culture negative cases (no growth -24 %) according the department of Microbiology of this college. From the above study we got more number of aerobic vaginitis in contrast to bacterial vaginitis. The prevalence of pPROM was associated with E. coli i. e. 30%. Second are Enterococci having 20%. Candidial spp. Scores 18%. Gardenerella vaginalis takes 12%. However, organisms like Staphylococci and GBS comes last with a score of 6% and 2% respectively.

Conclusions As preterm birth is more associated with mother having genital infections. Our study awards the champion cup to the E. coli as it is associated with maximum number of preterm birth cases i.e. 30%. Candidial spp. comes with the number about 21% causing both symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. Enterococci and Staphylococci almost have same prevalence of preterm birth viz. 12%.