> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://thisispiggy.gitbook.io/my-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://thisispiggy.gitbook.io/my-wiki/01-step-1/reproductive/gardnerella-vaginalis.md).

# Gardnerella Vaginalis

[\_](https://github.com/thisispiggy/my-wiki/tree/601ff771dc2fac1318ae8b59435ac8485628fd81/01%20Step%201/Reproductive/Gardnerella%20vaginalis%20morphology%20and%20disease/README.md)**Pleomorphic, gram-variable bacillus** that causes **bacterial vaginosis** (infection of vagina by bacteria).\
Gram variable stain: pink and purple on wall ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/e8DGnEz.jpg)

[\_](https://github.com/thisispiggy/my-wiki/tree/601ff771dc2fac1318ae8b59435ac8485628fd81/01%20Step%201/Reproductive/G.%20vaginalis%20cause%20and%20trasmission)**Alterations in natural vaginal flora such as sexual activity** may lead to the proliferation and overgrowth of *G. vaginalis*, leading to bacterial vaginosis. However, bacterial vaginosis is **not a sexually-transmitted infection**.

* normally maintained by lactobacillus at 4.0-4.5  

  Bacterial overgrowth disrupts normal flora:

  ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/e8DGnEz.jpg) 

[\_](https://github.com/thisispiggy/my-wiki/tree/601ff771dc2fac1318ae8b59435ac8485628fd81/01%20Step%201/Reproductive/Risks%20for%20changing%20vaginal%20flora/README.md)Risks for changing flora

* Recent antibiotic use
* Decreased estrogen production
* New sexual partner
* Douching
* Common in pregnant women

[\_](https://github.com/thisispiggy/my-wiki/tree/601ff771dc2fac1318ae8b59435ac8485628fd81/01%20Step%201/Reproductive/G.%20vaginalis%20symptoms)Women with bacterial vaginosis are **mainly asymptomatic**. Symptomatic women typically present with **off-white, thin, and homogenous** **vaginal discharge**and/or **fishy** **vaginal odor**.

* pregnant women at risk of spontaneous abortion (Foster)

  ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/1eSb24M.jpg) 

  Fishy smell, thin white on vulva: 

  ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/e8DGnEz.jpg) 

[\_](https://github.com/thisispiggy/my-wiki/tree/601ff771dc2fac1318ae8b59435ac8485628fd81/01%20Step%201/Reproductive/G.%20vaginalis%20diagnosis)Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is made based on the presence of at least three of the following four criteria:

* **Homogenous, thin, grayish-white discharge** that smoothly coats the vaginal walls
* **Vaginal pH greater than 4.5**
* **Positive whiff-amine test**, which is characterized by the presence of fishy odor when KOH is added to a sample of vaginal discharge  

  Dog: KOH whiff

  ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/e8DGnEz.jpg) 

[\_](https://github.com/thisispiggy/my-wiki/tree/601ff771dc2fac1318ae8b59435ac8485628fd81/01%20Step%201/Reproductive/Gardnerella%20vaginalis%20histology/README.md)**Clue cells on saline wet mount**\
Clue cells: ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/MeUhIBl.jpg) ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/HI4h5X0.jpg) Clue ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/e8DGnEz.jpg)

[\_](https://github.com/thisispiggy/my-wiki/tree/601ff771dc2fac1318ae8b59435ac8485628fd81/01%20Step%201/Reproductive/G.%20vaginalis%20treatment)Treatment for bacterial vaginosis includes **metronidazole** or **clindamycin**. ![](https://f001.backblazeb2.com/file/wikiFiles/e8DGnEz.jpg)