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Bacterial vaginosis - Background information
What is it?
- Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by an overgrowth of predominantly anaerobic organisms (such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella species, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mobiluncus species) and a loss of lactobacilli. The vagina loses its normal acidity, and vaginal pH increases to greater than 4.5.
- Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal discharge.
- Bacterial vaginosis is not generally regarded as a sexually transmitted infection; however, the prevalence is higher amongst sexually active than non-sexually active women.
[BASHH, 2006; FFPRHC and BASHH, 2006]
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