BACKGROUND:
Vaginal infections during pregnancy are associated with significant maternal and neonatal complications due to their ability to ascend from the lower genital tract to the upper reproductive system, causing intra-amniotic and systemic infections.

OBJECTIVES:
This study examined the bacterial and fungal pathogens associated with vaginal infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Bali. Taraba state, Nigeria and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

METHODS:
The research adopted a cross-sectional descriptive study design. The study involved the collection of high vaginal swab (HVS) samples from symptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal clinics within the study area. A total of 100 high vaginal swab samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques, including macroscopic, microscopic, culture, biochemical, and antibiotic susceptibility tests.

RESULTS:
The results revealed that out of 85 (85%) bacterial positive samples, Escherichia coli (30%), Staphylococcus aureus (25%), and Streptococcus agalactiae (15%), Gardnerella vaginalis (10%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (5%) were the isolated and identified bacterial isolates, while Candida albicans was the fungal infection observed in some samples.The prevalence of infection was higher among women aged 21–30 years and those in their second trimester. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed high susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, with bacteria pathogens, with notable resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline and high susceptibility of Candida albican to ketoconazole.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study concludes that vaginal infections remain a significant concern in pregnancy and that ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole shows effective treatment options for vaginal bacterial and fungal infections emphasizing the need for regular screening, proper hygiene, and appropriate antibiotic use to prevent complications.