How Common are Co-infections with Trichomonas and Bacterial Vaginosis?

Discussion Vulvovaginitis is a common gynecological complaint for females of all ages. It is specifically the inflammation of the vulva and vagina but is used as a general term often to mean vulvar irritation, itching, and burning that can occur with or without vaginal discharge. In prepubertal females there is lack of estrogenization, and less lactobacillus species which creates a more neutral pH (normal vaginal pH is < 4.5), lack of pubic hair and fat pad which provide trauma protection, location of anus close to the vagina and tendency of poor hygiene in young children. With puberty, estrogen thickens the vaginal tissues and more lactobacillus species lowers the vaginal pH which makes a more hostile environment for other infections. The differential diagnosis of vulvovaginitis changes depending on the pubertal status and can be reviewed here. Learning Point Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common causes of vaginal discharge and irritation in adolescents and adult women. In adolescents prevalence is > 20%. BV is caused by a change in the normal vaginal flora with a decrease in lactobacillus and an overgrowth of facultative anaerobic organisms. These organisms include Garnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Bacteroides species, Fusobacterium species, Mycoplasma hominis, Peptostreptococcus, Ureaplasma species and others. Studies suggest that with the increased vaginal pH, Gardnerella more easily adheres to the vaginal epithelium creating a biofilm which also...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news