nonspecific vaginitis

bac·te·ri·al vag·i·no·sis

infection of the human vagina that may be caused by anaerobic bacteria, especially by Mobiluncus species or by Gardnerella vaginalis. Characterized by excessive, sometimes malodorous, discharge.

Synonym(s): Gardnerella vaginitis, nonspecific vaginitis

nonspecific vaginitis

Etymology: L, non, not, species, form, facere, to make, vagina, sheath; Gk, itis, inflammation

a term formerly used for any vaginal inflammation for which no specific pathogen could be identified. Most cases of vaginitis today are found to be caused by infections of Gardnerella vaginalis in combination with anaerobic bacteria, although nearly one third of all cases are caused by a protozoa, Trichomonas vaginalis.

bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial infection of the vagina. While bacterial vaginosis is classically caused by Gardnerella vaginalis (a gram-variable facultatively anaerobic rod), it is usually polymicrobial. It is the single most common vaginal infection, and caused by imbalance of natural bacterial flora, in particular Lactobacillus, resulting in an overgrowth of mixed (Gardnerella vaginalis, aerobic and anaerobic) flora. It is not regarded as a sexually transmitted infection, and does not include yeast (candidiasis) or other (trichomoniasis) non-bacterial infections.

Clinical findings
Discomfort; thin, grey, pungent (fishy odour) vaginal discharge; occasionally dysuria; vagina or vulva are generally not inflammed.
 
Risk factors
Cigarette smoking, obesity to prior pregnancy, history of induced abortion, single/never married.

Management
Antibiotics (metronidazole; clindamycin if symptomatic), topical yogurt/lactobacilli preparations, reduced frequency of douching or bubble bath soaps, use of hypoallergenic soaps.

nonspecific vaginitis

A rare condition in which no particular factor or etiological agent is identifiable; a contact-related allergic response may be involved. The inflammation usually resolves spontaneously. Treatments include topical creams and ointments. See: bacterial vaginosis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established when clinical symptoms of vaginitis are present, but no organisms are found in laboratory specimens.

See also: vaginitis