Bacterial vaginosis: current review with indications for asymptomatic therapy.
Bacterial vaginosis is a definable clinical entity whose exact origin is unknown. A shift in normal vaginal flora from aerobic, predominantly but not exclusively lactobacilli, to a predominantly anaerobic flora characterizes the condition. More than one half of all women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms. The condition is not entirely benign. The potentially pathogenic bacteria present in the vagina in large numbers place these women at risk for postoperative morbidity and adverse obstetric outcome. Sexual transmission has not been proved, but therapeutic cures sometimes require that patient and partner be treated simultaneously. Recommended therapy is with metronidazole or clindamycin and must be given for 7 days for maximal effectiveness. Recurrence of disease can be a problem.
Thomason
J L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Gelbart
S M
SM
Scaglione
N J
NJ
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D016975:Gardnerella; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000187:drug effects; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000635:transmission
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D002981:Clindamycin