Smear on the degree of purity

A swab is a method of examination in which the sampling material is taken from the surface of the mucous membrane. The purpose of the test is to assess the composition of the microflora and identify inflammatory diseases. The sampling is made from three sites: from the urethra, from the vagina, and from the uterine cervix. The material from these sections is indicated on the slide with the letters "U", "V", and "C", respectively.

The genitals of a woman are populated with normal flora – microorganisms that do not harm the body. In addition, they contribute to the delay in the development of opportunistic microbes that cause inflammation under certain conditions (do not relate to sexual infections). The most useful flora is Doderlein bacillus (lactobacillus), which helps to "cleanse" the genitals of various pathogens. Determining the qualitative and quantitative relationship of flora is an important step in making a diagnosis and determining treatment tactics.

Assessment of the natural flora has in its classification four degrees of vaginal purity:

1. 1st degree - in the swab epithelial cells and a normal number of lactobacilli, pH - acidic;
2. 2nd degree - a small number of white blood cells, fewer lactobacilli, gram-positive diplococci are present. pH - remains acidic;
3. 3rd degree - increased number of epithelial cells and white blood cells, decreased lactobacilli, many cocci, pH - slightly acidic or alkaline;
4. 4th degree - large number of epithelium and white blood cells, pus microorganisms, absence of lactobacilli, pH - alkaline.

What can be detected in a swab:

• White blood cells – a small amount is found normally since these cells are necessary to protect the body from microbes. White blood cells above the norm are a sign of an inflammatory process.
• Epithelium is also present in small amounts in the biomaterial. Its absence indicates a hormonal imbalance in a woman: a deficiency of female estrogens, an excess of male testosterone. Epithelium in large quantities is one of the signs of the inflammatory process. The amount also depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
• Mucus is produced by the glands of the vagina, the detection of mucus in the urethra indicates inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Erythrocytes are red blood cells that may be present depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. If their number exceeds the permissible norm, it is assumed that the vaginal mucosa is traumatized, erosive processes, or inflammation.
• Microflora – the predominance of certain unidentified microorganisms: cocci, bacilli.
• Atypical cells indicate a precancerous condition.
• Key cells are epithelial cells "glued" by Gardnerella or other microbes. Similar cells are observed with a decrease in immunity, with gardnerellosis.
• Gardnerella are small bacilli in a swab. Normally, they may be present in small amounts. An increased amount (with vaginal dysbiosis) of these bacteria leads to bacterial vaginosis.
• Candida fungus, like Gardnerella, is present in small amounts in healthy women. If there are fewer lactobacilli than candida, then vaginal candidiasis develops (popularly called "thrush"). The main reason for the increase in candida is a decrease in immunity, including during pregnancy, or when taking antibiotics.
• Cocci are spherical bacteria that can be both conditionally pathogenic (staphylococcus) and pathogenic (gonococcus).
• Gonococcus is the causative agent of gonorrhea. It can affect not only the vagina but also the urethra, fallopian tubes, and rectum.
• Staphylococcus – under favorable conditions for it (decrease in immunity) causes persistent inflammation.
• Streptococcus is a bacterium that lives in small amounts in the gastrointestinal tract, in the respiratory tract, as well as in the mouth and nose. In a single amount, streptococci in a swab are regarded as the norm. An increase in the concentration of streptococcus leads to nonspecific inflammation.
• Enterococcus – a natural inhabitant of the GI tract microflora. Enterococcus in large quantities indicates inflammation of the genitourinary system or pelvic organs. The problem is that these microorganisms are not always given due attention and only sexual infection is treated, while staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci develop antibiotic resistance.

OLYMP CDL recommends that if such microflora is detected, make the test “bacteriological culture of vaginal scrapings with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics”, which allows you to choose the optimal drug treatment.

Trichomonas. A swab on an infection does not always reveal trichomonas since this bacterium can have altered forms. To confirm its presence, a bacteriological culture is done.