Bacterial
About Gardnerella
Gardnerella vaginalis is one of the most common causes of bacterial vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It lives in about half of healthy women without causing problems; infection happens when harmful bacteria overgrow the protective lactobacilli, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV).
It is not classed as an STD, but men can carry it without symptoms and pass it to partners. Treatment is advisable, especially in pregnancy, where it is linked to premature delivery and low birth weight.
Symptoms
What to Watch For
- Vaginal itching and inflammation
- Burning during urination
- Unusual, unpleasant discharge
- Men usually have no symptoms and act as carriers
Test Options
How CARIGEN Tests
- BV Panel — determines BV by comparing the concentration of three organisms
- Candida/Gardnerella (CA/GV) — panel of 2
- STI-9* — panel of 9 STIs
- STI-11+ — panel of 11 STIs
*The STI-9 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.