Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most frequently reported vaginal infections among pregnant women and has been associated with several adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The condition is primarily linked to disturbances in the normal vaginal microbiota, particularly the depletion of protective Lactobacillus species that normally help maintain a healthy vaginal environment. This study was conducted to investigate the composition of the vaginal microbiome, assess the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates obtained from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected hospitals in Enugu. A total of sixty (60) high vaginal swab samples were collected from pregnant women receiving antenatal care, with thirty (30) samples obtained from Palms Medical Consultants and thirty (30) from St. Michael’s Hospital. Prior to sample collection, participants were provided with structured questionnaires designed to gather demographic information as well as data related to clinical symptoms, medical history, and potential risk factors associated with vaginal infections. The samples were inoculated on blood agar, sabouraud dextrose agar, Eosin methylene blue agar and de Man Rogosa and Sharpe media and isolates were characterized by standard microbiological methods. Selected isolates were further characterized by molecular tests; Polymerase chain reaction, Plasmid and Plasmid curing. Antibiotics susceptibility tests were done by Kirby bauer diffusion method. A total of 60 (100%) HVS samples were positive with Lactobacillus species; isolates responsible for bacterial vaginosis were not isolated, but other pathogenic organisms found were Escherichia coli (30%), Candida albicans (25%), Enterobacter aerogenes (20%), Staphylococcus aureus (16.7%) and Streptococcus viridans (8.3%). Lactobacillus species, Streptococcus viridans and Enterobacter aerogenes showed high susceptibility values to test agents at 76%-95%, 75.5%-97%, 75%-97% respectively. E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed multiple resistance to test agents.
The PCR were positive at 15000bp for 16SrRNA gene, showing Limosilactobacillus fermenter strain and TMPC 3451 and Lactobacillus helveticus strain IMAU 30124. The isolates had high molecular weight of 15000bp. The detection of ~15kb plasmid in the isolates indicates the presence of accessory genes that offer a competitive edge against other microorganisms in the vagina. The loss of plasmid after curing with 10% SDS indicates that the strain carried extrachromsomal elements. The detection of pathogenic isolates draws attention to maternal and neonatal risks. There is a high level of resistance to frequently used antimicrobials between E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus and it calls for concern.
