Gardnerella vaginalis and Gardnerella mobiluncus are two types of bacteria that are a normal part of the vaginal flora. However, when they overgrow or overmultiply, they can cause an infection, which is most commonly known as bacterial vaginosis, or BV. BV is characterized by production of a gray-white discharge and a strong, foul odor.
Treatment is completed with antibiotics, such as oral metronidazole or clindamycin, or with ointments that are applied directly to the vagina. In more mild cases, adequate genital hygiene can eliminate the infection.
Gardnerella infection occurs more frequently in women, as the bacterium is part of the normal vaginal microbiota, but men can also be infected through unprotected sex with an infected partner.
Gardnerella causes
There is no specific cause for this type of infection, however, it is more common in women with risk factors such as those with multiple sexual partners, smokers, those who vaginally douche, or those who use an IUD as a contraceptive method.
Genital Gardnerella infection isn’t considered to be an STI (sexually-transmitted infection). The disease's incubation period is 2 to 21 days, which is the time that the bacteria is present before symptoms appear.
Gardnerella symptoms
Gardnerella can present differently in men and women, with one or more of the following symptoms:
It is normal for men with a Gardnerella infection to be asymptomatic. and therefore treatment is not always necessary. However, if infections recur frequently in a woman, the doctor may opt to treat her sexual partner as well, as a couple can reinfect and transmit the infection back and forth through unprotected sex.
In addition, if the infection occurs simultaneously with other bacteria, women may experience inflammation in the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility if treatment is not completed.
How it is diagnosed
The diagnosis of the infection can be done in a gynecological or family doctor office. The doctor will assess for signs of infection, especially for changes to discharge or odor. To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor may also recommend a vaginal culture, in which vaginal discharge is collected with a swab and sent to the laboratory for microbiological analysis.
Through a culture, it it is possible to confirm the exact bacteria responsible for the infection and this should be a reference for guiding treatment.
For men, the diagnosis should be confirmed by the urologist, following evaluation of symptoms and assessment of penile dysfunction.
Treatment options
Gardnerella infection is easy to cure, and treatment is usually completed with oral antibiotics, such as metronidazole, secnidazole, or clindamycin. Ointments can also be prescribed, and they should be applied to the genital area.
Generally, treatment with an oral antibiotic lasts about 7 days,, or 5 days for the ointments. During this time, ensure you are performing adequate genital hygiene (e.g. washing only the external genital area with soap that is pH neutral or appropriate for the area. See how else bacterial vaginosis can be treated.
With pregnancy, treatment should only be done with oral antibiotics, under the supervision of the obstetrician. Adequate genital hygiene is also advised. The doctor may also evaluate alternative birth control options if the infection is related to IUD use.
