Most frequent microorganisms of non-epithelial origin found in cervicovaginal samples

Abstract

Introduction. The cervicovaginal environment, comprising the cervix and vagina, is home to a diversity of microorganisms, known as the cervicovaginal microbiota, which primarily consists of bacteria. However, imbalances in this flora can lead to abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal infections, which are a public health problem at a global and regional level, affecting women in Latin America, including Ecuador. Objective. Identify non-epithelial microorganisms in cervicovaginal samples to contribute to prevention strategies and personalized treatments, improving the care and well-being of women of childbearing age. Methodology. A quantitative approach and the exploratory synthetic scientific method were used. Sociodemographic information was collected through individual interviews and microbiological examinations of cervicovaginal samples. The research design was non-experimental. The study population was patients from the Cytology Laboratory of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the National University of Chimborazo, totaling 93 patients. Results. The results revealed that 31.2% of the samples presented bacterial vaginosis, followed by Candida albicans with 8.6% and Trichomonas vaginalis with 7.5%. Furthermore, 51.6% of women showed normal results without the presence of non-epithelial microorganisms. Conclusion. This study details the diversity of microorganisms in cervicovaginal samples, highlighting the high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, followed by Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis. These findings underscore the importance of careful analysis of the microbiota to understand vaginal health and highlight the complexity of the vaginal ecosystem.