Evaluation of Vaginal Flora of Pregnant Women Using Fosfomycin

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this investigation is to elucidate the influence of fosfomycin on the composition and stability of the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy. Methods: All last-trimester pregnant women who presented to Karabük Training and Research Hospital (KEAH) for delivery between August 15, 2020, and January 15, 2021, were included in this case-control study. The study group consisted of 40 pregnant women who used fosfomycin and 40 control participants who met the following criteria: Turkish-speaking, no intellectual disability, intact membranes, no vaginal bleeding, no vaginal examination within the previous 24 hours, and a negative Covid-19 test. An informed consent form was administered to all pregnant women admitted for delivery. Vaginal culture samples were obtained in the lithotomy position using transport swabs from the upper lateral walls of the mucosal membranes or fornices. Samples were inoculated into culture media in the KEAH Microbiology Laboratory on the same day under sterile conditions. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between pregnant women using fosfomycin and those not using fosfomycin in terms of pathogenic microorganism growth in the vaginal flora (p=0.002). Conclusion: The study determined that the use of fosfomycin during pregnancy leads to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the vaginal flora. Since antibiotics used during pregnancy do not possess toxicity exclusively toward the target pathogen, they also affect the vaginal flora. Pregnant women should be educated on maintaining vaginal flora through healthy dietary habits, proper hygiene practices, and safe sexual intercourse.