Gardnerella vaginalis is a rod-like bacterium that belongs to the vaginal flora. If it colonizes the vagina in high bacterial numbers, it can cause bacterial vaginosis, which may be followed by inflammation of the vagina (colpitis). The germ is named after one of its discoverers, the US gynecologist Herman L. Gardner (1912-1982). In low incidence, the bacterium is relatively harmless and occurs in about 40 percent of all women. However, if a mal-colonization of the vagina develops, the protective elements of the vaginal flora are weakened. Gardnerella vaginalis can thus reach the upper genital tract with other pathogenic bacteria and cause troublesome infections in the uterus and ovaries. These are associated with an unpleasant odor of the vaginal discharge. The infections can lead to infertility. Particular danger comes from the bacteria during pregnancy and childbirth.
What is Gardnerella vaginalis?
The pathogenic bacteria led by the lead germ Gardnerella vaginalis form a dense biofilm on the surface of the vaginal wall. This slime layer is responsible for the typical unpleasant odor and destroys the balance of the existing vaginal flora. Bacterial vaginosis is often also caused by excessive psychological stress. The main cause of the disease is also sexual intercourse. However, the characteristic grayish-white discharge, which can be very thin, is only noticeable in just under half of the affected women. The accumulation of bacteria can cause itching and irritation of the surrounding skin. During pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis can cause premature labor, premature rupture of the amniotic sac, and even premature birth. This may occur due to atypical biochemical reactions between the fetus and the uterus related to the bacterial overgrowth. Increased prostaglandin is produced, which is used in obstetrics to induce labor.
Occurrence, distribution, and properties
Gardnerella vaginalis is considered the main causative agent of bacterial vaginosis. The bacterium manages its entire metabolism without oxygen, i.e., it lives anaerobically. In the vaginal flora it is one of many bacteria, but a very important one. The great diversity of microorganisms in the vaginal space is composed to a considerable extent of lactobacilli. They essentially maintain the biological balance there. Lactobacilli are producers of lactic acid, with which they lower the pH value to 4.4 to 3.8. Thus, under regular conditions, it is clearly in the acidic range. So far, about 200 different strains of lactic acid bacteria have been identified in the vaginal area. Normally, disease-causing bacteria are in the minority. With their low numbers, they have little influence on the vaginal flora. In addition to anaerobic bacteria, they also include aerobic bacteria, for which oxygen is the basis of life. Some germs colonize the vagina only temporarily, others live there permanently without causing any harmful effects. The totality of microorganisms ensures that the vagina is protected against diseases. With the dense colonization of the area, there is practically no room for pathogens. In addition, the low pH provides poor growth conditions for harmful germs. However, if these conditions change, the activity of pathogens may suddenly increase greatly. The vaginal flora then loses its natural protection. Harmful bacteria can spread and cause inflammatory diseases. The bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis multiplies particularly strongly under this changed climate. Multiplication can be a factor of 100, and in the case of some anaerobic pathogens even 1000. The number of lactobacilli, on the other hand, decreases significantly. This sudden serious imbalance gives rise to the various infectious diseases in the female genital area. If bacterial vaginosis occurs, the characteristic symptoms do not necessarily appear. Signs of disease can be effectively suppressed with antibiotics. Increasingly popular are also natural remedies to eliminate the imbalance of vaginal flora. For example, milk, oregano oil, black tea, tea tree oil or lemon water can be placed in the vagina with the help of a tampon to have a balancing effect.Patients are also said to have had good experiences with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and probiotic yogurts. Lactobacillus strains or suitable acid substances can also be introduced via special vaginal suppositories, with the help of which the pH value in the vaginal area is lowered.
Diseases and ailments
To counteract harmful effects of Gardnerella vaginalis, vaginal douches can be performed or special disinfecting suppositories can be applied. However, vaginal hygiene should not be overdone, as this can also upset the natural balance of flora. A natural-based soap without fragrances is well suited. Caution during sex can also protect against unpleasant infections, especially in cases of frequently changing sexual partners, because bacterial vaginosis can be passed on by means of smear and contact infections. The corresponding pathogens also infect male intimate areas such as the urethra. Women are also at risk of bacterial infection through the vagina when they are under greater psychological stress. If the immune system is weakened or not in balance, corresponding impairments can also occur. According to estimates, every fifth woman is affected by bacterial vaginosis at least once in her life. This happens especially in times of hormonal fluctuations or upheavals. Women in menstruation and menopause and pregnant women in this regard particularly susceptible.
