Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases

A Study on Bacterial Vaginosis and Other Vaginal Infections in Women of Reproductive Age Groups

2026-08-08T13:21:38+00:00

Aim: This study was done to evaluate the different types of infectious vaginitis occurring among women in the reproductive age group, to identify the common etiological agents responsible for vaginitis by isolating and characterizing the pathogens through microbiological methods.

Study Design: prospective cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Microbiology, Madras Medical College, 6 months (September 2018 to February 2019)

Methodology: Patients of the age group 18–45 years presenting with one or more of the following symptoms, which include increased vaginal discharge with foul smell, lower abdominal pain, itching or irritation in the vagina, and pain during sexual intercourse. A total of 2 high vaginal swabs were collected using sterile cotton swab from each patient.

The first vaginal swab was used for testing pH, Gram stain for culture on blood agar. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed based on Amsel criteria.and Gram stain done for identification of morphotype. A second swab was used for wet mount preparation, KOH examination and inoculation on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar. Wetmount was examined for the presence of motile Trichomonas vaginalis. Yeast identification was done by germ tube test, sugar fermentation and assimilation tests.

Results: A total of 120 patients were included in the study. 48 patients had Bacterial vaginosis which is 40% of the total number of patients included in the study. The most common criteria found in patient was homogenous white vaginal discharge, followed by a vaginal pH greater than 4.5, positive amine test and clue cells in gram stain. Among these 28 samples were microbiologically positive of which Gardnerella (33.33%) is the most commonly seen morphotype followed by peptostreptococcus(20.8%) and Mobiluncus (4.2%). There were two cases of trichomonal infection. The potential risk factors are level of education, lack of awareness and prior surgeries.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes timely diagnosis of vaginitis and its etiology, which would enable to start early specific treatment. The results of this study demonstrate that bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis are the most common causes of infectious vaginitis among women of reproductive age, with BV accounting for a substantial proportion of cases. The study reinforces the utility of Amsel criteria for clinical diagnosis in resource-limited settings, while emphasizing the importance of microbiological confirmation for precise identification of causative organisms. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential to prevent recurrent infections and complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease.

Spatial and Temporal Variations in Newly Notified Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases in the Volta Region, Ghana (2019–2023)

2026-08-13T09:57:50+00:00

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health challenge and remains a leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where socioeconomic disparities, limited access to healthcare, and environmental factors contribute to its burden. In Ghana, the Volta Region has experienced variability in TB prevalence, driven by factors such as poverty, urbanisation, and healthcare inequities. However, evidence on the spatial and temporal patterns of drug-susceptible TB cases in the region remains limited. Understanding these variations is essential for designing effective interventions, prioritising resource allocation, and achieving the goals of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) End TB Strategy.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate spatial and temporal variations in drug-susceptible TB cases in the Volta Region, Ghana, from 2019 to 2023.

Methods: A retrospective study design was employed using secondary data from the District Health Information Management System 2 (DHIMS2). Temporal trends were analysed using a line graph, while spatial patterns were examined using QGIS. Measures of spatial autocorrelation, including Global Moran’s I and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), were used to identify districts with high or low TB prevalence.

Results: The analysis revealed fluctuating TB prevalence in the Volta Region from 2019 to 2023. TB prevalence decreased from 50.2 per 100,000 population in 2019 to 43.6 in 2020, followed by a steady increase to 62.1 per 100,000 in 2023. Males consistently exhibited a higher TB prevalence than females, with an overall male-to-female ratio of 1.92. By 2023, TB prevalence was 84.9 per 100,000 among males and 40.5 per 100,000 among females. Spatial analysis identified Keta and Kpando as high-prevalence districts for drug-susceptible TB. Emerging hotspots included Hohoe, Akatsi South, and Ketu North, which experienced increasing prevalence over time. Cold spots with consistently low TB prevalence were observed in districts such as Adaklu, Agortime-Ziope, and Ho West. High-prevalence districts demonstrated concentrated clustering, whereas overall spatial autocorrelation was random across the region.

Conclusion: The study identified an increasing trend in TB prevalence over the five-year period, with males consistently exhibiting higher rates than females. High-prevalence districts, such as Keta and Kpando, and emerging hotspots, including Akatsi South and Ketu North, highlight areas requiring targeted interventions. Low-prevalence districts, including Adaklu, Agortime-Ziope, and Ho West, may provide insights into effective TB-control strategies. Tailored public health measures are essential to address the identified spatial and temporal disparities in TB prevalence.

Isolation of Diarrhoeal-Causing Organisms (Salmonella and Shigella) from Some Selected Meat in Rumuokoro Market, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

2026-08-17T08:58:30+00:00

Foodborne diseases are a leading cause of illness and death worldwide, with diarrhoeal diseases constituting a substantial portion of the global burden. The aim of this research was to investigate the presence and distribution of diarrhoea-causing organisms (Salmonella and Shigella) in selected meat. A reasonable portion of each meat sample was obtained from the abattoir. The samples were aseptically homogenised, and serial dilutions were prepared from the homogenate. These dilutions were then plated on appropriate culture media to assess the microbiological quality of the meats. The results showed that the Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) was very high, with out-of-range values relative to microbiological standards in pork and cow meat, while chicken and goat meat had counts of 2.47×10⁹CFU/g and 1.39×10⁹CFU/g, respectively. The Salmonella count also revealed high levels of contamination relative to internationally acceptable limits, with the highest contamination in cow meat at 3.3×10⁸ CFU/g and the lowest in pork at 1.5×10⁸CFU/g. The Shigella count also showed high contamination levels, with out-of-range values recorded in pork, while chicken, goat and cow meat had counts of 1.08×10⁹ CFU/g, 1.03×10⁹CFU/g and 9.7×10^8,respectively. This study also identified other organisms, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Proteus and Candida, all of which have the potential to cause foodborne illness. The presence of these organisms indicates poor standards in the food industry and calls for improved policies and actions to protect public health.