Bacterial vaginosis is a common, non-inflammatory infection of the vagina. It is characterised by the presence of a thin, homogenous, greyish-white discharge. The differential diagnosis includes infection with Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans. A diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis may be made by the detection of three of the following: characteristic discharge, pH of 5 or greater, clue cells and a positive KOH amine test. Culture of vaginal discharge is not necessary to effect a diagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis responds readily to treatment with metronidazole at a dosage of 400 mg twice daily for seven days, although a proportion of patients suffer a recurrence of symptoms. Treatment of sexual partners may be necessary in such cases. Bacterial vaginosis results from the synergistic interaction of Gardnerella vaginalis and obligate anaerobes, including Bacteroides and Mobiluncus species. The pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and the mechanisms by which these organisms produce the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are discussed.
细菌性阴道病是一种常见的非炎性阴道感染。其特征是存在稀薄、均匀、灰白色的分泌物。鉴别诊断包括阴道毛滴虫和白色念珠菌感染。细菌性阴道病的诊断可通过检测以下三项来做出：特征性分泌物、pH值为5或更高、线索细胞以及KOH胺试验阳性。诊断细菌性阴道病无需进行阴道分泌物培养。细菌性阴道病对甲硝唑治疗反应良好，剂量为400毫克，每日两次，共七天，尽管一部分患者会出现症状复发。在这种情况下，可能需要对性伴侣进行治疗。细菌性阴道病是由阴道加德纳菌与专性厌氧菌（包括拟杆菌属和动弯杆菌属）的协同相互作用引起的。本文讨论了这些病原体导致细菌性阴道病症状的发病机制、实验室诊断、治疗及相关机制。
