A bacterium that is often found in the vaginal discharge of women with nonspecific vaginitis.
Formerly H¾mophilus, this is an anaerobic bacteria that is a main contributor to bacterial vaginosis. It is sometimes sexually transmitted, but can stick around for years as a passive part of the vaginal flora, only to flare up. It seems to occur in up to a quarter of relatively monogamous women and in half of women with multiple male partners. As bacterial vaginosis, Gardnerella is one of the three main causes of vaginal discharges, along with Trichomonas and Candida albicans. Antibiotic therapy for male partners seems of only marginal value, and the distinguishing characteristic of the infection is nearly no Lactobacillus vaginal presence, the main part of the flora that retains the lactic acid and peroxide balance so important in a healthy vagina. Live culture yogurt, as both food and douches help the problem.... gardnerella
A protozoon normally present in the VAGINA of about 30–40 per cent of women. It sometimes becomes pathogenic and causes in?ammation of the genital passages, with vaginal discharge. A man may become infected as a result of sexual intercourse with an infected woman and suffer from a urethral discharge; it may also cause prostatitis (see under PROSTATE GLAND, DISEASES OF). METRONIDAZOLE is usually an e?ective treatment, and to obtain a satisfactory result it may be necessary to treat both partners. Should metronidazole not work, then tinidazole may be tried.... trichomonas vaginalis
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