Gardnerella vaginalis is a specific microorganism that is small in size and is a transient microorganism in the human body. Gardnerella is an anaerobic organism, i.e. which grows and multiplies only in anoxic conditions. This microorganism has a variable structure, can take both gram-positive and gram-negative structure.
For many years, it was believed that gardnerella vaginalis is the main causative agent of vaginal dysbiosis and vaginitis, however, then this theory was refuted. The fact is that diagnostic methods began to develop more widely, new pathogens were identified, therefore, gardnerellosis began to be isolated into a separate disease.
It should be noted that some experts still believe that the detection of vaginal gardnerella in patients is a specific marker of bacterial vaginosis.
Gardnerella vaginalis really causes a disease with the same clinical signs, as with dysbiosis. Patients develop uncharacteristic discharge with an unpleasant odor of “rotten or dead fish”. Subsequently, itching and burning may appear in the external genital area, and then a non-specific inflammatory process begins.
It must be understood that gardnerella vaginalis is present normally in the bioflora of the vagina of any woman, however, it is necessary that the number of lactobacilli significantly exceeds the number of gardnerella. The permissible concentration of conditionally pathogenic gardnerella in the microflora is up to 25%, when this value begins to increase, dysbiosis develops.
Gardnerella vaginalis can be transmitted as follows:
- unprotected sexual contact. It must be borne in mind that various spermicidal lubricants, vaginal tablets, creams and foams do not have a bactericidal effect, therefore they cannot protect against STIs;
- the transplacental and vertical route of transmission from mother to child, as a result of which babies are born seeded gardnerella;
- household or contact transmission is not excluded, but unlikely. To do this, just use a shared towel or linen. To date, there are many disputes between doctors about this transmission route, however, it is not yet ruled out.
Gardnerella vaginalis in men is no longer a rare occurrence. Symptoms of the manifestation of the disease are similar in both men and women. However, in men it is much harder to differentiate this disease. As a rule, they are handled at sufficiently advanced stages. In men, gardnerellosis is most often manifested by balanoposthitis, prostatitis or cystitis.
What diseases can gardnerella cause?
Vaginal gardnerella can lead to the development of septic spread of infection - the worst outcome of the disease. Also, these pathogens can lead to the formation of abscesses and pneumonia.
In women, gardnerella most often leads to the development of the inflammatory process of the pelvis and external genital organs.
Also associated with gardnerella diseases include cystitis, urethritis and pyelonephritis.
Gardnerella vaginalis: treatment.
Treatment of the disease in women is carried out according to the following scheme:
- elimination of pathological microflora - the drug "Metronidazole" is used;
- vaginal population with normal microflora - eubiotics;
- immunostimulating drugs and vitamins.
As for the male population, in the case of diagnosis of gardnerellosis, it is necessary to determine the clinical signs. If the manifestations do not bother the patient, then he does not need treatment. If gardnerellosis is manifested by associated diseases, then treatment is carried out with Metronidazole, the main drug, and symptomatic therapy is also required.