Prevalence of Gardnerella Vaginalis among pregnant women at the Cité-Verte District Hospital (Central Region – Cameroon)

Bacterial vaginosis is a genital condition resulting from a profound imbalance in the vaginal ecosystem, with Gardnerella vaginalis as the main agent involved. Scientific data suggests that bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of premature rupture of membranes, infection of amniotic fluid and membranes, preterm labor, and premature delivery. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis in pregnant women at the Cité-Verte District Hospital. A prospective cross-sectional study with analytical purposes was carried out over three months on pregnant women who came to undergo cytobacteriological examinations. Two vaginal samples were collected from each woman using sterile swabs and tested according to Amsel and Nugent culture criteria. Data on potential risk factors was also collected. Among the 272 pregnant women registered in this study, 124 women (45.58%) were affected by Gardnerella vaginalis. This infection rate was statistically higher among pregnant women aged 20 to 25, with a primary education level, employed and in school, single, having sexual intercourse 5 to 7 times a week, in the second trimester of pregnancy and practicing intimate hygiene with soap. The Bassa, Mbamoise and Beti ethnic groups were the most infected. We demonstrated that Gardnerella vaginalis was associated with yeasts. The results obtained as part of this work show that pregnant women are more exposed to Gardnerella vaginalis in view of their physiological state and external factors. It should also be noted that raising awareness is an effective preventive measure in the fight against bacterial vaginosis.