IN the normal healthy vagina, large numbers of lactobacilli are present. These aerobic bacteria produce lactic acid and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which keep the vaginal environment acidic. The pH of the vagina during the reproductive years is normally between 3.8 and 4.2.For reasons that are not fully understood, the vaginal ecosystem changes in women with bacterial vaginosis, so that a mix of anaerobic flora proliferate. These may include organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalisMycoplasma hominisMobiluncus bacteroides and Prevotella, with concentrations of these bacteria increasing up to 1000-fold from the usual levels. There is also another bacteria called Atopobium vaginaliswhich appears to be associated with a higher incidence of rapid relapses after treatment and more frequent recurrences. Bacterial vaginosis,...
The content on this site is available to Australian Registered Health Practitioners only. Please login or register for access.