ABSTRACT

This study evaluates vaginal candidiasis and bacteriuria among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Umuahia, Abia State. A total of 80 samples of high vaginal swab and mid-stream urine samples were aseptically collected from pregnant and non-pregnant women. Standard microbiological methods were used to isolate and identify organisms in vaginal swabs and urine specimens.The bacterial isolates includes Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella  aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Escherichia coli having the highest percentage occurrence (35.6%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus(20%) in pregnant women, 31.25% and 18.75%  respectively in non-pregnant women. The fungal isolates includeCandida albicans, having the highest level of percentage occurrence. All isolates were tested against antimicrobial agents andCandida albicanswas sensitive to antifungal agents such as ketoconazole and fluconazole, while the bacterial isolates showed high level of sensitivity to nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is common in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Therefore, early diagnosis and adequate treatment of vaginal candidiasis and bacteriuria should be practiced.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

List of Tables

Abstract

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Aim and Objectives

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Bacteriuria 3

2.1.1 Biology of Urinary Tract 7

2.1.2 Classification of UTI 7

2.1.3 Uncomplicated and Complicated Urinary Tract Infection 7

2.1.4 Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection 8

2.1.5 Causative Agent 9

2.1.6 Asymptomatic and Symptomatic UTI 10

2.2 Physiological Changes during Pregnancy 14

2.3 Route of Infection 16

2.4 Emergence of Resistance among UTI Pathogens 17

2.5 Treatment of UTI 20

2.6 Vaginal Candidiasis 21

2.6.1 Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Candidiasis 23

2.6.2 Causes of Vaginal Candidiasis 24

2.7 Diagnosis 25

2.8 Treatment 26

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Study Population 28

3.2 Collection of Samples 28

3.3 Sterilization of Materials 28

3.4 Media Preparation 29

3.5 Microbiological Examination of Sample 29

3.5.1 Microscopy 29

3.5.2 Identification of Isolates 29

3.6 Antimicrobial Sensitivity Test 34

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results 35

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Discussion 40

5.2 Conclusion 42

5.3 Recommendations 42

References