Evaluation of mixed Candida and Bacterial infection in women with Vaginitis
Specialized Medical Clinics, Kirkuk Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Kirkuk, Iraq.
* Corresponding Author; Email: buthanathsh00@gmail.com
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 12(02), 030–035.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.12.2.0096
Publication history:
Received on 30 August 2026; revised on 06 October 2026; accepted on 08 October 2026
Abstract:
Background: Female genital tract infections, including vaginitis and cervicitis, are common infectious conditions that may be caused by a variety of bacterial and fungal microorganisms.
Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial agents associated with female genital tract infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 of high vaginal swabs (HVS) were collected from women aged 18–40 years who presented with clinical symptoms associated with female genital tract infections, including vaginitis and cervicitis, were enrolled in the study. The participants attended the private outpatient clinics in Kirkuk City during the period from November 2025 to August 2026.
Results: Among the 120 high vaginal swab specimens examined, 80 (66.7%) were positive, whereas 40 (33.3%) were negative. Among the positive specimens, bacterial isolates were the most frequently detected microbial group, accounting for 29 cases (36.3%), followed by mixed yeast and bacterial isolates in 20 cases (25.0%). Mixed bacterial isolates were detected in 16 cases (20.0%), while yeast isolates were identified in 15 cases (18.7%). Overall, bacterial-associated findings, including both single and mixed bacterial isolates, accounted for 45 cases (56.3%), whereas yeast-associated findings accounted for 35 cases (43.7%). Among the 20 specimens showing mixed bacterial and yeast growth, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida spp. were the most frequent combination, detected in 7 cases (35%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida spp. in 5 cases (25%). The combinations of E. coli+ Candida spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa+ Candida spp. were each detected in 3 cases (15%), whereas Proteus mirabilis + Candida spp. was identified in 2 cases (10%).
Conclusion: The findings indicate a considerable occurrence of microbial agents among women with clinical symptoms of female genital tract infections.
Keywords:
Female genital tract infection; High vaginal swab; Bacterial infection; Candida spp.
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