Aetiology and management of non-specific vaginitis.

Abstract

In a study of 100 women with non-specific vaginitis, characterized by a vaginal discharge which was malodorous and pruritic in most cases and caused by dyspareunia and dysuria in some, Gardnerella vaginalis was isolated in 46% of patients. When present, G. vaginalis was significantly associated with Mycoplasma hominis and Bacteroides sp. Isolation of G. vaginalis was unrelated to the presenting symptoms. Treatment with povidone-iodine pessaries for 2 wk produced no pronounced benefit, either clinically or microbiologically, compared with a placebo. Nevertheless, 68% of all patients followed reported improvement 4 wk after the start of treatment. The findings suggest that G. vaginalis is 1 cause of non-specific vaginitis, which is more likely to be seen in women using oral contraceptives and is usually cured spontaneously.