Bacterial Vaginosis – A Brief Synopsis of the Literature Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
-
Divine Aleru
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What Was Reviewed?
This review provides a comprehensive synopsis of the current literature on bacterial vaginosis (BV), focusing on its epidemiology, recurrence, persistence, and treatment challenges. The authors examine the impact of BV on reproductive and sexual health, highlighting its association with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, the review explores the role of the vaginal microbiota in BV pathogenesis, emphasizing the need for more effective long-term treatment options and standardized definitions for recurrent and persistent BV.
Who Was Reviewed?
The review synthesizes studies on women of reproductive age diagnosed with BV, including those with recurrent infections. It also explores research on the vaginal microbiota, sexual partners’ role in BV transmission, and the effectiveness of current treatments. By analyzing epidemiological data from various regions, it highlights differences in BV prevalence and risk factors.
Key Findings and Microbial Associations
BV shifts the vaginal microbiota by depleting Lactobacillus species and allowing anaerobic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Prevotella spp., and Mobiluncus spp. to overgrow. This microbial imbalance disrupts the vaginal ecosystem and increases susceptibility to STIs, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and HIV. Even with metronidazole or clindamycin treatment, BV recurs in up to 80% of cases within three months. The review explores BV recurrence, showing how reinfection, an inability to restore a Lactobacillus-dominant microbiota, and bacterial biofilms contribute to persistent infections. Clinicians rely on Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring for diagnosis, but inconsistent definitions of recurrent and persistent BV complicate management. The review also examines partner treatment as a strategy to reduce BV recurrence, though past studies show mixed results.
Implications of the Review
BV remains a significant clinical challenge due to its high recurrence rates, unclear etiology, and association with reproductive health complications. This review calls for more research into microbiome-based therapies, improved diagnostic tools, and standardized definitions of recurrent BV. The findings suggest that future treatment approaches should not only target BV-associated bacteria but also focus on restoring a stable vaginal microbiota. Additionally, reconsidering partner treatment as part of BV management could be an avenue for reducing recurrence rates, provided that future studies can confirm its effectiveness.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
Amsel Criteria
Amsel's Criteria is a clinically established diagnostic method for bacterial vaginosis, offering a practical and accessible alternative to laboratory-based approaches. It evaluates four key clinical indicators, ensuring timely diagnosis and intervention in outpatient settings.
Nugent Score
The Nugent Score is a standardized Gram stain-based scoring system used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV) by assessing key bacterial morphotypes in vaginal samples. With its high specificity, it remains a gold standard in microbiome research, though its complexity and need for trained personnel make it less common in routine clinical practice.