Gardnerella vaginalis (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab; urine, ejaculate, prostate secretion)

Accurate and reliable diagnostics of urogenital infections are essential for maintaining and improving reproductive health. One of the key tests for detecting urogenital infections is the analysis for the presence of gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterium often associated with a condition known as bacterial vaginosis in women. To provide high-quality diagnostic services, IntroLab in Belgrade offers this bacterial analysis.

What is gardnerella vaginalis?

Gardnerella vaginalis is a bacterium that causes bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. This condition occurs due to an imbalance in the normal vaginal flora, where gardnerella vaginalis, along with other anaerobic bacteria, becomes the dominant microorganism, leading to symptoms such as:

• Unpleasant odor
• Whitish or grayish vaginal discharge
• Itching
• Irritation

While this condition is common in women, the bacterium can also infect men, although it is much rarer. In men, an infection with this bacterium can cause symptoms in the urethra, such as:

• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Urethritis

When is the test performed?

The test is usually recommended for women who have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or for men with symptoms of urinary infections or other urogenital issues. It can also be performed if there is a suspicion of a sexually transmitted infection.

How is it transmitted?

Transmission of the bacterium typically occurs through sexual contact. Although bacterial vaginosis is not strictly considered a sexually transmitted infection, the risk of infection may increase with a higher number of sexual partners or a new sexual partner. There are also indications that men can be carriers of gardnerella vaginalis without showing symptoms of infection, which can contribute to recurrent episodes of bacterial vaginosis in their sexual partners.

How is gardnerella vaginalis treated?

Treatment involves antibiotics. It is important for all sexual partners to be tested and treated to prevent the recurrence of the infection. It is also helpful to avoid irritants that can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, such as soaps or intimate hygiene sprays that are not pH-balanced.