Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal condition in which protective Lactobacillus bacteria decline and diverse anaerobic bacteria increase. It can cause thin discharge and a fishy odor, though many cases have no symptoms.

Vaginal microbiota: The community of microorganisms living in the vagina, usually dominated by Lactobacillus species. Bacterial vaginosis is a disruption of this community's usual composition.
Amsel criteria: A clinical diagnostic method requiring at least three of four findings associated with bacterial vaginosis. These findings translate characteristic symptoms and examination results into a diagnosis.
Robert Gardner: An American microbiologist who helped identify Gardnerella vaginalis and link it to bacterial vaginosis. His work shaped the early recognition of the condition's characteristic bacteria.
Preterm birth: Birth occurring before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
Lactobacillus: A genus of bacteria that produces lactic acid and commonly dominates the healthy vaginal microbiota. Their decline removes a major source of acidity and microbial protection.
Nugent score: A Gram-stain scoring system that classifies vaginal bacterial patterns as normal, intermediate, or consistent with bacterial vaginosis. It offers a laboratory-based alternative to symptom-based clinical criteria.
Gardnerella vaginalis: A bacterial species frequently associated with bacterial vaginosis and found in vaginal biofilms. Its discovery influenced the earlier name 'Gardnerella vaginitis' for the condition.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: An infection of the upper female reproductive tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. BV may increase susceptibility to upper-tract infection, especially around gynecologic procedures.
Vaginal pH: A measure of vaginal acidity, typically lower when lactic-acid-producing bacteria dominate. Bacterial vaginosis commonly raises vaginal pH above the usual acidic range.
Metronidazole: An antimicrobial medication used orally or vaginally to treat infections involving anaerobic bacteria. It is a standard treatment option for symptomatic bacterial vaginosis.

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