Identification
and Characterization of Pathogenic Microbial Flora Associated with Abnormal Vaginal
Discharge: A Microbiological Examination Study
Kharsodiya Kiran and Dhingra Harish Kumar
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(4); 61-66;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/204rjbt061066; (2025)
Abstract
Abnormal vaginal discharge (AVD) is a common gynecological issue that affects a
large number of women globally. One of the primary causes of this condition is the
presence of pathogenic microbes in the vaginal microbiome. It is essential to make
a microbiological diagnosis in cases of recurrent or treatment-resistant vaginal
discharge. The present study aimed to investigate the pathogenic microbial flora
associated with AVD using microbiological and biochemical examination. Total 100
samples were examined for microbiological analysis of abnormal vaginal discharge.
The most frequently isolated pathogens were Gardnerella vaginalis (39 cases), Candida
albicans (28 cases), Ureaplasma urealyticum (21 cases), Group-B Streptococcus and
E.coli (13 cases). Less common pathogens included Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma
hominis, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
The study found that younger women, particularly in the 25–34 age group, were more
frequently affected by infections, especially those caused by Gardnerella vaginalis
and Candida albicans. Socioeconomic, lifestyle and personal hygiene factors such
as douching with soap, lower education levels and middle-income status, were associated
with increased risk of infections. The identification and characterization of these
pathogenic microbial flora can provide valuable insights into the etiology of this
condition as well as potential therapeutic interventions.
