aetiology

Last reviewed 07/2021

Bacterial vaginosis often occurs in sexually-active women. It is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Present in most cases:

  • Gardnerella vaginalis - small, non-motile, gram-variable, CO2-dependent coccobaccilli
  • Prevotella species - anaerobic, gram -ve bacilli (previously a group of Bacteroides)

Occurring in 50-60%:

  • Mobiluncus species - anaerobic, gram -ve, curved motile rods.

Mycoplasma hominis has been implicated but it's role is uncertain.