Gardnerella vaginalis is a special kind of anaerobic microorganisms that make up the vaginal microflora in small amounts . For a long time, it was believed that an increase in the number of gardnerella provokes the development of bacterial vaginosis in women. However, more recently, recent studies have been conducted that reject the direct participation of the microbe in the development of this disease. However, scientists dispute the fact that Gardnerella vaginalis is a specific marker of bacterial vaginosis.
This conclusion was made on the basis of data on the vital activity of the microorganism, namely: with rapid propagation of gardnerella in female secretions , a distinct fish smell appears, a test with 10% KOH is always positive in this situation, an accumulation of “key cells” can be detected in a smear.
All this really gives the right to talk about a direct connection (association) of vaginosis with gardnerellosis infection. If not for the following facts:
- not all women with bacterial vaginosis are determined by Gardnerella vaginalis;
- in healthy women, gardnerella is detected in the vaginal secretion (approximately 25%), provided that there is a sufficient amount of lactobacilli.
Today, garderellosis is considered a separate nosological disease, with a characteristic clinical picture, methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Gardella Transmission Routes
- Sexual transmission of this infection is the most common. An interesting point is that the microbe can be transmitted both with heterosexual and same-sex contacts. For example, gardnerella can be found in rinses of the rectum, oral cavity.
- The transplacental route of transmission of infection is the most dangerous for both a woman and a child. Gardnerella vaginalis penetrates the amniotic fluid to the baby, thereby interfering with its development, and sometimes can cause a miscarriage.
- The household and contact route of transmission of gardnerella still causes a lot of controversy and discussion, however, to date, it is not excluded from the list of possible ways of transmission of infection.
The clinical picture of the disease
Discharges from the genital tract become abundant and have a grayish-white color. At the same time, they emit a fetid smell of rotten fish.
Unpleasant sensations and pulling pains in the lower abdomen worry many women with gardnerellosis. However, women do not note itching or burning as such, they complain about its presence only when a secondary infection joins.
Sex can be unpleasant and painful due to inflammation of the vaginal mucosa.
Diagnosis of the disease
The main way to detect this disease is to detect dna Gardnerella vaginalis in the patient’s blood or antibodies to them. Using this technique, you can not only determine the disease, but also detect its once transferred form.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence method are also widely used for diagnosis. It is worth noting that the initial merit in the diagnosis of gardnerelez belongs to the collection of anamnesis and examination of the patient.
Gardnerella vaginalis: treatment
The first stage of treatment is a decrease in the number of gardnerella in the secret of the vagina. For this, the latest antibacterial drugs (fluoroquinolones, macrolides) are used, then it is necessary to increase the number of lactobacilli, which die when the gardnerella multiplies, and without them it is impossible to restore normal microflora. You can use lactobacterin for this.
At the last stage, it is necessary to strengthen the general immunity of a woman so that the conditionally pathogenic flora does not develop.
I want to emphasize that the treatment of all infections is very specific and largely depends on the patient. Do not experiment with your health and be treated independently, it is better to consult a doctor!