PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL VAGINAL INFECTIONS IN PRE AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Estrogen deficiency around menopause can cause growth of abnormal flora leading to
infections. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of bacterial vaginal
infections among the asymptomatic pre and postmenopausal women. High vaginal
swab samples were collected and the microorganisms were identified. Their antibiotic
susceptibility pattern was noted. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida
sp. were isolated from 15.2%, 8.7%, 19.6% premenopausal women and 14.8%, 9.3%,
13% postmenopausal women respectively. Lactobacillus was found in 34.8%
premenopausal and 27.8% postmenopausal women. The higher prevalence of
pathogenic bacteria and relative depletion of Lactobacilli in postmenopausal women
increases the risk of bacterial vulvovaginitis in them. Pathogenic bacteria were also
found as frequently as Candida sp. in the pre and postmenopausal women. Hence, the
practice of empirical antifungal therapy without taking high vaginal swab needs to be
revised. Consideration should be given for the use of appropriate antibiotics along with
antifungal drugs.