Identification of Cervico-vaginal pathogenic microorganisms in PAP smear among reproductive women, Wadmedani, Gezira state, Sudan, 2023

Introduction: Female genital tract infections are usually asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose; hence they tend to be neglected healthcare problems. The most common pathogenic microorganisms of the vagina and cervix include Gardnerella Vaginalis(GV), Candida species (CS), Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), herpes Simplex Virus(HSV) and Actinomyces species. Aim: The study aimed at detecting the frequency of cervico-vaginal pathogenic microorganisms in conventional Pap smear among women attending Wad Medani obstetrics and gynecology teaching hospital and some private clinics during the period from February 2020 to January 2023. Methodology: This is a cross sectional studyincluding137 reproductive women came to the health care facilities and presented for gynecological consultation with deferent gynecological problems. A total of 134 Pap smears were prepared and examined under the microscope. Cytological results were reported according to the 2014 Bethesda system for reporting cervical cytology and then checked for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Results: From the 134adequate Pap smears, 23(17%) showed pathogenic microorganisms,(47.8%) were Gardnerella Vaginalis, followed by (39.1%) were Candida species,(8.7%) were Trichomonas Vaginalis and (4.3%)was koilocytic change of Human Papilloma Virus. Conclusion: Conventional Pap smear has a definite role in the detection of cervico-vaginal microorganisms rather than inflammatory conditions and other reparative changes. Detected microorganisms were most frequent among rural women within the age group 26-36years and the majority were complained of vaginal discharge.