Bacterial Vaginitis and Vaginosis

Abstract

Vaginal conditions related to microorganisms represent a diverse group of clinical conditions, and it must be understood that from a clinical standpoint that the common complaints involve prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms as well as non-infectious causes, all of which must be included in clinician evaluations. From a scientific point of view, the topic of this chapter is highly intertwined with the indigenous microbiota of the lower female genital tract. Consequently, this chapter will not consider the fungal causes of vaginal symptoms (Candida) or protozoon (Trichomonas) organisms causing vaginitis or non-microbial conditions. Other bacterial agents including Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhea (usually confined to the cervix and only involving the vagina when it is in an atrophic condition) or syphilis which causes ulceration of the vaginal epithelium are handled elsewhere.