Abstract

PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS LIVING IN AND AROUND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OWERRI, IMO STATE

*Onyeulor P. N. and Okore C. C.

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Abstract

Introduction: Bacteria vaginosis (BV) results from the alteration of the vaginal microbiome (dysbiosis). It is a health condition where the bacteria in the vagina (normal flora) have been replaced with pathogenic microorganisms, usually made up of facultative and strict anaerobes. Different factors have been attributed to the causes of bacteria vaginosis. This research was therefore aimed at ascertaining the prevalence of bacteria vaginosis among female students living in and outside institution owned hostel in order to ascertain the role of toilet facility in predisposing women to bacteria vaginosis. Materials and Method: A total of one hundred and fifty (150) students from three institution of higher learning- Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri., Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Alvan Ikokwu Federal College of Education Owerri were recruited. Consent forms and intervieweradministered questionnaire were given to each participant to obtain their consent for the study and to collect detailed information on socio- demographic characteristics. High vaginal swabs (HVS) samples were collected from the vagina fornix of each of the participants by a gynaecologist. Two vaginal samples were collected using the cotton-tipped swabs from the posterior fornix of the vagina from each participant. One swab was used for microscopic examination while the other one was preserved in DNA preservation kit for DNA isolation and purification. The subjects were also examined for fishy odour and greyish discharges which adhere to the walls of the vagina by a clinician. Diagnosis of bacteria vaginosis was made using both Amsel’s criteria, Nugent’s scores and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q PCR) Results: Students living inside the campuses were found to be more predisposed to bacteria vaginosis than students living outside the campus. Low level of lactobacillus species were found in majority of students living inside the school. Conclusion: Poor toilet facilities observed in institution owned hostels may have been the major cause of high prevalence of bacteria vaginosis among hostel inmates.

Keywords: Prevalence, vaginosis, hostel, students.