Bacterial Vaginosis: New Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment

Authors

Laura E. Onorato, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

OB/GYN

Advisor

Nancy Reid

Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis and accounts for more than 90 million cases reported annually worldwide.¹ Characterized by a thin, white, milky vaginal discharge and a distinct “fishy” smelling odor, is the most common genital tract infection occurring primarily in women of reproductive age.^{2 6} The healthy vaginal environment is characterized mainly by the presence of Gram-positive, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide producing bacilli Lactobacillus spp., specifically, L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii recognized as the most common species respectively.² Anaerobic species of bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Mobiluncus spp., Bacteroides spp., and Prevotella spp. are common pathogens associated with bacterial vaginosis infection.² The occurrence of a dense, structured and polymicrobial biofilm in the vast majority of cases of bacterial vaginosis has been positively identified by multiple researchers and contributes to a high rate of treatment failure with current recommended antimicrobial therapies.^3,8

Recommended Citation

Onorato LE. Bacterial Vaginosis: New Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(2).