Phenotypic Characterization, Virulence-Associated Traits and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles of Bacterial Isolates from High Vaginal Swabs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study investigated the occurrence of culturable microorganisms, phenotypic virulence-associated traits and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates recovered from high vaginal swabs (HVS) and unused sanitary pads in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 149 HVS specimens were obtained from two health facilities, comprising 75 specimens from Mile 4 Primary Healthcare Centre, Rumuokwurushi, and 74 from Orogbum Primary Healthcare Centre. In addition, 216 unused sanitary pads were collected from selected markets and pharmacies. Samples were analysed using standard microbiological culture and identification procedures. Bacterial isolates were assessed for selected phenotypic traits, including haemolysis, biofilm formation, motility, enzyme production and other organism-associated characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was also performed on selected bacterial isolates. Among the HVS specimens, 74 (49.7%) yielded bacterial growth, 10 (6.7%) yielded yeast growth, and 6 (4.0%) showed mixed bacterial and yeast growth, while 59 (39.6%) showed no microbial growth. HVS bacterial isolates exhibited varying frequencies of haemolysis, biofilm formation, motility and enzyme production. Bacteria recovered from unused sanitary pads also displayed selected phenotypic traits, with variations among the identified bacterial groups. Antibiotic susceptibility results for staphylococcal isolates indicated high resistance to cefotaxime, cefuroxime and ampiclox (100% each), while susceptibility was highest to gentamicin (93.3%) and levofloxacin (86.7%). Resistance was also reported among Gram-negative isolates, with interpretation restricted to the displayed organism-specific observations and isolate numbers. The findings demonstrate the occurrence of culturable microorganisms and phenotypic virulence-associated traits in the investigated samples, alongside concerning resistance patterns among some bacterial isolates. Further studies using molecular identification, standardised susceptibility testing and larger sample sizes are required to confirm organism identity and establish more robust virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles.