Gardnerella is one of the most common bacterial vaginal infections to afflict women of child-bearing age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Gardnerella vaginalis is found in 50% of normal healthy women without causing any symptoms or adverse effects. Those that get infected are women of normal childbearing age (i.e. from 15 to 45years of age approximately). Although the prevalence rate is around 15-25% among the total female population in their reproductive age the prevalence rate among women who attend STD (sexually transmitted diseases) clinics ranges from 32-64% for the same age group.
In every healthy vagina, helpful bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which regulates normal vaginal pH, coexist with harmful bacteria in careful balance. But when harmful bacteria overgrow, infection occurs in the form of gardnerella. The word gardnerella (gardnerella vaginitis) is derived from one of the harmful bacterium residing in the vagina, Gardnerella vaginalis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), or nonspecific vaginitis, was named because bacteria are the etiologic agents and an associated inflammatory response is lacking. Many studies have demonstrated the relation of Gardnerella vaginalis with other bacteria in causing BV, such as Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and anaerobes, including Mobiluncus, Bacteroides, Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, Veillonella, andEubacterium. Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum,Streptococcus viridans, and Atopobium vaginae have also been associated with BV.
Despite its high prevalence among sexually active women, it is not sexually transmitted the same way as STD’s such as gonorrhoea and is not medically classified under that group. Invasive procedures such as endometrial biopsy, hysterectomy or intrauterine devices (IUD’s) may increase the chance of infection with this organism. The CDC notes that while gardnerella may resolve on its own, treatment is advisable, as this type of bacterial infection can cause complications, particularly in pregnant women, who may experience premature deliveries and babies with low birth weights. Gardnerella is easy to diagnose and treat, and there are certain known factors that put some women more at risk for acquiring it than others. However, the medical and scientific community have yet to pinpoint exact causes of gardnerella.
A Gardnerella infection in men is usually transmitted to him from his partner. Men who have a Gardnerella infection do not generally have any symptoms and probably will not know that they are even infected with this bacteria. A gardnerella infection can be easily detected with the urethral swab however. When women have this infection they usually also have a urinary tract infection or a trichomonas infection as well men generally contract a Gardnerella infection through sexual intercourse and can transmit the infection to his partner without realizing it.
Symptoms
Men
- Usually have no symptoms and they just act as carriers.
Women
- vaginal itching and inflammation
- burning during urination
- unpleasant, uncommon discharge
Test Options
BV Panel: specific tests for determination of BV by comparing concentration of three organisms
STI-9*: Tests for Gardnerella in a panel that screens for 9 STI’s
*The STI9 test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Caribbean Genetics. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or local regulations
Learn more about Gardnerella
http://www.livestrong.com/article/25738-causes-gardnerella/
http://www.diseasesweb.org/gynaecology-and-obstetrics/gardnerella-vaginalis-5
