[Role of Gardnerella vaginalis and anaerobes. Etiology of nonspecific colpitis].

Nonspecific vaginitis is a very common clinical syndrome. In patients with nonspecific vaginitis the normal, lactobacillus-dominated microbial flora is replaced by Gardnerella vaginalis and certain anaerobes, preferably bacteroides spp. The mechanisms by which anaerobes or Gardnerella vaginalis or a combination of these organisms produce the disease condition are still unknown. Treatment with ampicillin and certain other drugs is often effective, but metronidazole appears to be the most effective antimicrobial for this condition. The optimal dose and duration of metronidazole therapy require further study.