Biological and Health Sciences

MICROBIOTA

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Abstract
Purpose
The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining women's health and reproductive well-being. This pilot study aims to examine the composition and antibiotic susceptibility of the vaginal microbiota in reproductive-

age

women from the South-South region of Nigeria.
This research seeks to identify the most common microbial species and their resistance patterns to fill important gaps in our knowledge of vaginal health in this specific population.
Methodology
High vaginal swab samples from 55 patients were analysed using standard microbiology
techniques to identify bacteria and their susceptibility to antibiotics.
Findings
The results from this study showed that Lactobacilli was the most dominant in 29.1% of the vaginal samples, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (20%), non-pathogenic staphylococci
(23.6%), Gardnerella vaginalis (14.5%), and Escherichia coli (12.7%) were also present. The
study revealed significant antibiotic resistance patterns, with Staphylococcus aureus showing 100% resistance to Pefloxacin, Zinnacef, Amoxicillin, Rocephin, and Streptomycin.

Gardnerella vaginalis and E\scherichia. coli also exhibited 100% resistance to moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin.
Originality
This pilot study examines the vaginal microbiota and antibiotic resistance in women from a region in South-South Nigeria. It provides essential data on microbial composition and resistance patterns, contributing valuable knowledge to the global understanding of vaginal
health and microbiota diversity.
Research limitations
The pilot study provides valuable insights, but the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings. Advanced genomic methods could provide a more detailed characterisation of microbial communities. Despite these limitations, the study emphasises the need for more extensive investigations to enhance our understanding of vaginal health and antibiotic resistance.
Keywords: Vaginal microbiota, antibiotic resistance, women's health, pilot study.