Question

A vaginal swab sample from a female patient with purulent vaginal discharge is received in a lab you are employed as a Medical scientist. Name two bacterial pathogens and two fungal pathogens that may lead to development of vaginal discharge Explain the different steps you would follow to determine whether the infection is caused by a fungal agent or a bacterial agent What are the preventative strategies and control measures of sexually transmitted diseases

Answer 1

Answer:

The Vaginosis and Vaginitis are infections due to  vaginal discharge or Pruritus.

The two bacterial pathogens like Gardnerella Vaginalis  and Mycoplasma spp.  causes bacterial vaginosis.

The two fungal pathogens like Vulvovaginal candidiasis ( VVC) , Trichomonas vaginalis  causes vaginatis.

-- The  difference in  colour, consistency , extent or odour of sample result in abnormal or odd discharge caused by infection of either bacterial or fungal.

-- The following steps taken to the swab sample  helps in the determination of infection caused by wheather fungal agent or bacterial agent  

S.no	Steps	Infection  caused by fungal agent	bacterial agent causes infection
1	infection Symptoms	presence of thick white discharge in swab sample then it is caused by fungal infection. -- non offensive odour present. ---presence of vulval itch, superficial dyspareunia, Dysuria seen in fungal infection caused patients.	presence of thin discharge in swab sample then it is caused by bacterial infection. --- Offensive or fishy odour present. --no discomfort or itchy feeling seen in bacterial infection patients.
2.	Signs of infection	Vulval erythema, oedema, fissuring, satellite lesions are the signs seen in this infection.	Discharge coating vagia, vestibule,
3	PH strip test of vaginal fluid	if vaginal PH is less than 4.5	if vaginal PH greater than 4.5 which is alkaline.
4.	Microscopy test	yeast and pseudohyphae are visible	wet mount shows 'clue cells' which are squamous epithelial cells coated with bacteria visible under microscope.

the preventive strategies and control measurements of sexually transmitted diseases:

They are ---The Abstinence and the maintainance of mutually have single partner relationship who uninfected decreases the risk for these transmission diseases.

-- consistence and proper uses of barrier methods like condoms use reduce the danger of transmission of some infections like HIV, Clamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis . By vaccination, there is chance of reducing  the Human papilloma virus and hepatities rates.

--congenital and perinatal infections can reduced through appropriate counseling, screening and diagnosis , treatment in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.

--Family physicians should provide knowledge about  screening and proposals and risk factors of transmitted diseases which helps within the reduction.