The causative agent for bactericidal vaginosis is:
A. Herpes simplex
B. Candida albicans
C. Chlamydia trachomatis
D. Gardnerella vaginalis
Correct answer: Gardnerella vaginalis
The causative agent of bacterial vaginosis is:
👉 Gardnerella vaginalis
Explanation:
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not caused by a single organism alone, but Gardnerella vaginalis is the primary causative agent.
- Normally, the vagina contains Lactobacilli, which maintain an acidic pH.
- In bacterial vaginosis, these Lactobacilli are reduced.
- Gardnerella vaginalis overgrows along with other anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Mobiluncus, Bacteroides).
- This leads to an alkaline vaginal environment.
Key features of bacterial vaginosis:
- Thin, grayish-white vaginal discharge
- Fishy odor, especially after intercourse
- Vaginal pH > 4.5
- Presence of clue cells on microscopy
Summary:
- Disease: Bacterial vaginosis
- Main causative organism: Gardnerella vaginalis
- Type: Polymicrobial infection due to imbalance of vaginal flora
✔️ Therefore, the correct answer is Gardnerella vaginalis.
Other Options Details
Here is a clear description of all the options:
A. Herpes simplex
- Type: Virus (Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV, usually HSV-2 for genital infection)
- Disease caused: Genital herpes
- Mode of transmission: Sexual contact
- Main features:
- Painful fluid-filled blisters or ulcers on the genital area
- Burning, itching, and tingling sensation
- Recurrent episodes
- Nature: Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
B. Candida albicans
- Type: Fungus (yeast)
- Disease caused: Candidiasis (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
- Mode of transmission: Overgrowth of normal vaginal flora (not always sexually transmitted)
- Main features:
- Thick, white, curd-like vaginal discharge
- Severe itching and redness
- No foul smell
- Nature: Opportunistic infection
C. Chlamydia trachomatis
- Type: Bacteria (obligate intracellular organism)
- Disease caused: Chlamydial infection
- Mode of transmission: Sexual contact
- Main features:
- Often asymptomatic
- Cervicitis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Can lead to infertility if untreated
- Nature: Common sexually transmitted infection
D. Gardnerella vaginalis
- Type: Bacteria
- Disease caused: Bacterial vaginosis
- Mode of transmission: Imbalance of normal vaginal flora
- Main features:
- Thin, grey-white vaginal discharge
- Fishy odor, especially after intercourse
- Vaginal pH > 4.5
- Nature: Not a true STI, but associated with sexual activity
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group