title: Pathogenesis of Bacterial Vaginosis: Discussion of Current Hypotheses.
abstract: In April 2015, the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases hosted an experts technical consultation on bacterial vaginosis (BV), where data regarding controversies over the pathogenesis of BV were discussed. The discussion on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of BV is presented here, and several hypotheses on its pathogenesis are critiqued. Rigorous hypothesis-driven studies are needed to ultimately determine the cause of BV. This information is vital for the prevention and control of this important infection and its adverse public health consequences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
authors.forename: Christina A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Muzny
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
authors.forename: Jane R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Schwebke
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion; D005260:Female; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011634:Public Health; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology
keywords: Gardnerella; bacterial vaginosis; vaginal flora