Gardnerella is a form of vaginitis, which is a bacterial infection of the vagina. Vaginitis can be caused by several types of micro-organisms, including Mobiluncus, Bacteroides, Mycoplasma and Gardnerella. Diagnosing Gardnerella requires a visit with your physician, where a swab will be taken and cultured.

Diagnosing Gardnerella

Gardnerella vaginitis and other strains of bacterial vaginitis are usually characterized by a yellow or gray discharge, burning, irritation or pain during urination, irritation or pain during or after sexual intercourse, and a pungent, fishy odor. If you suspect that you have a vaginal infection, make an appointment with your physician. He will ask you about your symptoms, and will probably also perform a pelvic exam. If your physician suspects that you have Gardnerella, he will need to test your vaginal fluid in order to confirm the diagnosis. In order to test your vaginal fluid, your physician will need to take a swab of your vagina. A swabbing is done using a large Q-tip. Your physician will insert the swab about 2 inches into your vagina and rotate it for 10 to 30 seconds. He will then gently remove the swab, place it in a test tube and transfer it to a laboratory for testing. There, the collected vaginal secretions will be mixed with physiologic saline, and the mixture will be spread across a thin sheet of glass and examined under both low-power and high-power objections. The lab technician who looks at the swab will be looking for numerous granulated or stippled epithelial cells, which are a clear indication of Gardnerella vaginitis. The granulated or stippled appearance is caused by the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis organisms on the surfaces of the cells. Additional clusters of Gardnerella vaginalis organisms may be seen attached to the edges of cells, or floating freely in the secretion and saline mixture.

Treatment

Gardnerella vaginitis and similar strains of infection-causing bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. Metronidazole, an antiprotozoal drug, is commonly prescribed for vaginitis. It is typically taken in 500-mg doses twice a day, by mouth, for five to seven days. A single 2-gram dose may be recommended for adolescent patients, but generally spreading the course of treatment over five to seven days is more effective. Because Gardnerella is contagious and is often thought to be spread through sexual contact, particularly between women, it's important to have your partner treated as well. Even if your partner is not showing signs of Gardnerella, administering treatment to both partners may reduce the likelihood of being re-infected.

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Health Scout: Gardnerella Vaginalis

Health Scout: Metronidazole

Health Central: Gardnerella Vaginalis