Haemophilus vaginalis (Corynebacterium vaginale, Gardnerella vaginalis) in a family planning clinic population.
Vaginal specimens were obtained at 902 attendances from 522 women requiring vaginal examination at a family planning clinic. Haemophilus vaginalis was found in 8% of specimens either by culture or by at least two out of three microscopical tests; lactobacilli were seldom found in the presence of the organism. Increased signs and symptoms, especially an offensive odour, were found only when H vaginalis and staphylococcus were isolated together. The organism was found less often in patients using contraceptives methods which protected the vagina, thus suggesting sexual transmission. Treatment is advisable when H vaginalis is in contact with a vascular bed.
D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006190:Haemophilus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007973:Leukorrhea / Q000382:microbiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*