Microbiologic profile in symptomatic pregnant women's genital secretions in Gran Buenos Aires, Argentina

BACKGROUND. Establish the prevalence of microorganisms associated with geni tal colonization in symptomatic pregnant women. In order to review the evol ution of frequent pathogens ecology and adjust the laboratory design, in a population attended at the public health Hospital, in the Great Buenos Aire s. METHODS. Vaginal and endocervical samples, were explored for specific detec tion of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Streptococcus agalact ie, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma ure alyticum and bacterial vaginosis (VB). Direct methods, culture, inmunodetection and PCR, were employed. In 1999; 198 women, with genital discharge, were studied. Age in the group range from 16 to 42 years old (Median 27 years old). RESULTS. In 51 cases (25.7%) none of the above microorganisms or bacterial vaginosis were detected. In 30 cases (15.1%) bacterial vaginosis was diagno sed. Frecuency of detection was: Ureaplasma urealyticum, 49,5%; Candida spp ., 34,3%; Mycoplasma hominis, 14.1%; Streptococcus agalactie, 4.5%; Trichom onas vaginalis, 3.5%; Chlamydia trachomatis, 2.5%. No detection of Neisseri a gonorrhoeae was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS. There is a relevant frecuency of bacterial vaginosis. On the o ther hand, lower prevalence of the Trichomonas vaginalis and Chlamydia trac homatis and also the absence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was demonstrated. Cul ture for Streptococcus agalactie (at birth) and detection of Chlamydia trac homatis. must be extended to all pregnant women.