The common causes of bacterial vaginosis should be understood

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It is a mixed infection dominated by anaerobic bacteria, and the number can increase 100 to 1000 times. However, there are no inflammatory changes in clinical and pathological features. In a normal vagina, lactobacilli that produce hydrogen peroxide are dominant. Here are some common causes of bacterial vaginosis.

In bacterial vaginosis, the number of lactobacilli decreases while other bacteria multiply rapidly, including mainly anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella, Acinetobacter, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Streptococcus, and Mycoplasma hominis. The reasons for the changes in vaginal flora are still unclear, but it is speculated that it may be related to frequent sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, or vaginal douching that alkalinizes the vaginal environment.

1. Gardnerella: It is a Gram-negative or mutated cocci-like short rod with round ends, 0.3~0.5μm long and 0.1~0.2μm wide. It is smaller than lactobacilli and is pleomorphic. In the United States, this bacterium can be isolated from the vagina of 10.7% of normal women. It is a component of the normal vaginal flora.

2. Lactobacillus: Gram-negative bacteria with a wide range of sizes, which can be in various forms such as slender rods and spheres. They are facultative anaerobic and can produce H2O. Under normal circumstances, this bacterium accounts for more than 90% of vaginal bacteria. The presence of a large number of lactobacilli inhibits the growth of other pathogenic bacteria and forms a normal ecological balance.

3. Anaerobic bacteria: The number of anaerobic bacilli, cocci, and motile hook bacteria increases.

4. Mycoplasma hominis type: Mycoplasma hominis was isolated from 63% of BV patients. It coexists with Gardnerella and other bacteria, or is the only pathogen.