Gardnerella vaginalis

Gardnerella is a bacterium that is part of normal vaginal flora 20 to 80% of sexually active women. When, by an imbalance in this flora, there is a predominance of this bacterium (according to some authors in association with other germs as bacteroides, Mobiluncus, mycoplasma etc..), We have a picture of what is called bacterial vaginosis.
You use this term to distinguish it from vaginitis, which occurs in a real infection of vaginal tissues. In vaginosis, on the other hand, tissue injury do not exist or are very discrete, characterized only by the disruption of normal vaginal microbial balance. Vaginosis by gardnerella may not show clinical signs (signs or symptoms). When they occur, these events are characterized by a homogeneous yellowish or grayish discharge with bubbles scattered on its surface and an unpleasant odor active. The pruritus (itching) vaginal is cited by some patients but not common. After intercourse, the presence of sperm (basic pH) in the vaginal environment, usually occurs the release of odor similar to rotten fish.
No man can be a cause of urethritis and possibly balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin and glans). Urethritis is usually asymptomatic and rarely require treatment. When these symptoms are restricted to a pruritus (itching) and a slight burning (burning) urination. Rarely causes secretion (runny) urethral. No man is contaminated we can speak effectively it is an STD.
Normal microbial flora: Our body, from birth, comes into contact with germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc..) Which will be locating in the skin and cavity (mouth, genitals, urethra, intestines, etc.). Characterizing what is called the Normal Microbial Flora. Normal is inexorable and because it establishes a harmonious balance with our body. There are circumstances in which this balance can discard (other infections, antibiotics, `` stress, depression, pregnancy etc.). And determining the predominance of one or more of its germ components, thus causing the onset of an infection.
Treatment
The treatment is based on ending the symptoms and restore balance of vaginal microbiota.
The most widely used drugs for Gardnerella nitroimidazole antimicrobials are: metronidazole and tinidazole secnidazole used systemically. Are administered in a single dose of 2.0 g (secnidazole and tinidazole) or 400mg of 12 to 12 hours, orally for seven days (metronidazole). You can also make use of clindamycin, 300 mg orally every 12 hours for 12 hours for seven days. The sexual partner must also be treated in order to prevent relapses.
In general, during the treatment, it is recommended sexual abstinence and no intake of alcoholic beverages, due to the effect antabuse.
Side effects more intense treatment with nitroimidazoles are gastrointestinal (nausea and metallic taste).
Local treatment can be done associated with systemic treatment, especially in relapses. You can also make local treatment for correction of vaginal pH and adequate correction of deviations from the normal flora, where lactobacilli should predominate.

Prevention
Use of Condoms;
Avoid vaginal douches, except under medical recommendation;
Limit the number of sexual partners;
Perform periodic gynecological examinations and controls.

Complications
The main complications that an infection can lead Gardnerella are:
Infertility.
Salpingitis (pelvic inflammation of the fallopian tubes)
Endometritis ("inflammation and / or irritation of the endometrium)
Abortion
During pregnancy can cause premature or low birthweight infants
Increased risk of HIV infection if there is contact with the virus
Increases the chances of contracting other infections such as gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, etc..