Bacterial vaginosis in a district genitourinary medicine department: significance of vaginal microbiology and anaerobes.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Bacterial vaginosis in a district genitourinary medicine department: significance of vaginal microbiology and anaerobes.

Int J STD AIDS. 1994 Nov-Dec;5(6):405-8. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/95151862
Saidi SA; Mandal D; Curless E; Department of Genito-urinary Medicine, Bolton General Hospital,; Lancs, UK.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to correlate the significance of vaginal microbiology, in particular its anaerobic component, to the presence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), and to review the clinical criteria used in the diagnosis of this condition. Ninety-two female patients who received routine STD screening were studied. After routine history, presence and character of vaginal discharge and vaginal pH were noted, an amine test performed, and a wet stain observed microscopically. Routine Gram stain smears and cultures were prepared. BV was diagnosed clinically in 28 (30%) of our sample, and Gardnerella vaginalis was cultured in 41 patients (45%). Both clue cells and anaerobes were closely associated with each other and both mutually exclusive with the presence of lactobacilli on Gram stain (P < 0.001). BV was found to be strongly associated with the presence of clue cells on the wet film, anaerobes and G. vaginalis. In conclusion, bacterial vaginosis is not only strongly associated with the presence of G. vaginalis in the vaginal flora, but more strongly with the presence of anaerobes. The study suggests that the microaerophile G. vaginalis is a commensal organism in a significant proportion of sexually active women. If the aerobic status of the healthy vagina is disrupted, anaerobes (including Gardnerella) will flourish, producing the clinical picture of bacterial vaginosis.

Keywords: Bacteria, Anaerobic/*ISOLATION & PURIF Female *Gardnerella vaginalis/ISOLATION & PURIF Human Vagina/*MICROBIOLOGY Vaginosis, Bacterial/*DIAGNOSIS JOURNAL ARTICLE
950530
M9550534

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .