The culture of vaginal fluid along with the direct microscopy of fresh preparation gives us a lot of information regarding the normal flora of the vagina and the existence of pathogenic microorganisms. The culture is divided into different categories starting from simple aerobic, anaerobic in which we will look for candida sp. This is a basic fungus that causes vaginitis with symptoms of intense burning and itching with a whitish secretion that looks like "cut milk" and for treatment it needs antifungal treatment. Candida sp is often difficult to treat. If there is indeed resistance, in this case an antifungal test is carried out to determine the appropriate treatment. 

Another key vaginal pathogen is the beta-hemolytic streptococcus group B (strept.agalactiae ). This pathogen causes unpleasant symptoms of vaginitis and should be checked in pregnancy between 35 and 37 weeks as it is a cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Its treatment is simple as it is sensitive to penicillin.

Gardnerella Vaginallis or vaginal haemophilus is a pleomorphic aerobic, anaerobic bacterium that causes vaginitis with a smelly discharge. It is found quite frequently and is easily treated with specific treatment.

Another vaginal pathogen is the trichomonas parasite. This pathogen is sexually transmitted, causes vaginitis with burning sensation and can often be found in the general urine examination.

In addition to the pathogenic microorganisms in the culture of vaginal fluid, the normal flora of the vagina, the "good microbes", the lactobacilli, also grow, which act protectively in the vaginal environment.

Gram-negative microbes such as E. COLI , Klebsiella sp. when found in small growths without pyospheres and with good normal flora shall not be evaluated. In the presence of multiple pyospheres and reduced flora they should be taken into account.

Vaginal and cervical samples should be taken by qualified personnel, ensuring the validity of the test. 

Pathogens in the cervix

The pathogens mentioned above are related to the pathogenesis of the vagina, but there are also microorganisms that colonize the cervix. These are ureoplasma urealiticum, mycoplasma hominis and chlamydia. These pathogens cause cervicitis when the growth is > 1000 cfu/ml and should be controlled in pregnancy as they are implicated in the occurrence of miscarriages. A growth of 1000 or 10000 cfu/ml argues in favour of colonisation and usually does not require treatment, of course all this should be taken into account with the clinical picture and examination by the attending gynaecologist.