Prevalence of vaginal colonizing microbiota among pregnant mothers visiting Nakaseke Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/c4be1p08Keywords:
Prevalence, Vaginal colonizing microbiota, Pregnant mothers, Nakaseke HospitalAbstract
Background:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of vaginal colonizing microbiota among pregnant women attending Nakaseke Hospital in Uganda.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 144 pregnant women aged 18- 45 years attending antenatal care at Nakaseke Hospital between July and August 2025. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, with inclusion criteria ensuring they were at least 12 weeks pregnant and not on antibiotics recently. Vaginal swabs were collected aseptically and cultured using standard microbiological techniques, including Gram staining, biochemical tests, and culture media for bacteria and fungi. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, with results presented in tables and figures.
Results:
The findings revealed that over half (55.6%) of the pregnant women harbored detectable microbiota, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent organism (15.2%), followed by Gardnerella vaginalis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae. Microbial diversity varied notably with maternal age and parity; younger women (18–24 years) predominantly carried Lactobacillus spp., which are protective, whereas women aged 35 and above exhibited higher prevalence of Candida albicans and absence of Lactobacillus, indicating increased risk for fungal infections. Parity also influenced microbiota composition, with multiparous women showing greater microbial diversity and higher colonization by pathogenic organisms compared to primiparous women.
Conclusion:
Findings underscore significant variations in vaginal microbiota among pregnant women in Nakaseke, influenced by age and parity, which may impact pregnancy outcomes. The high prevalence of potentially pathogenic organisms highlights the need for routine screening and targeted interventions to promote vaginal health.
Recommendations:
Implement microbiota monitoring during pregnancy, promote probiotic use to support beneficial Lactobacillus colonization, and conduct longitudinal studies to better understand microbiota dynamics and their health implications. This localized data provides a foundation for improving maternal healthcare strategies in rural Uganda and similar settings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Safinah Namakula, Tonny Gambira, Hasifah Nansereko, Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega (Author)
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