Ashenafi, Mogessie (Professor)Aynalem, Seblewongiel2018-07-102023-11-082018-07-102023-11-082008-08http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7523The human vagina is a complex integrated environment containing an abundance of microorganism. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a disorder characterized by a reduction in or absence of Lactobacillus colonization, and overgrowth of several facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria. BV has been reported as one of the most common vaginal infections in women at reproductive age from different part of the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of BV and some associated risk factors in Addis Ababa. Moreover the study examined the composition of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) genera isolated form vaginal specimen culture and the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of some of the isolated LAB. Among 100 women randomly enrolled in this study a BV prevalence of 32% was found based on Gram-stain scoring of vaginal flora according to Nugent criteria. The prevalence of BV was higher among women at age group 31-40 (44%), Christian women (34%), who are married (33%), non-pregnant (34%) and women who had a previous history of abortion (37%). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from 70% of women. Out of 350 colonies which were isolated and characterized, 40% were lactococci, 29% were lactobacilli, 23% were pediococci and 8% were leucnostoc. From a total of 60 lactic acid bacteria isolates that were subjected to antimicrobial activity test, both the most frequent resistance and the least sensitivity result was noted for Clindamycin (42% and 50% respectively), where as the most frequent sensitivity and the least resistance was recorded for Vancomicine (80% and 20% respectively). This study has provided evidence for a considerable prevalence of BV in women. Therefore, the health sector and other responsible bodies should give the concern to screening and treating women for bacterial vaginosis. On top of that creating the awareness among the society will add its value on the public health profile of women and probably would contribute to reduce the risk of acquisition of other more serious STDs. Moreover, the knowledge of lactic acid bacteria composition and pattern of antimicrobial activities of human vaginal fluid would help to design better therapies and show future directions to maintain the healthy nature of human vaginal ecosystem.enBiologyThesis