Treatment of the Gardnerella vaginalis syndrome with a single 2 gram oral dosage of metronidazole.

The Gardnerella vaginalis syndrome (GVS) is characterized by a smelly vaginal discharge of pH greater than 5.2. The microscopic appearance of the discharge is diagnostic. The Gram stain shows masses of small Gram variable bacilli which have a 'pepper and salt' pattern, and the wet film 'clue cells' and 'rafts' (floating clumps of small bacilli). The amine test is an additional diagnostic aid. 30 patients with this syndrome were treated with 2 g of metronidazole in a single oral dosage. 29 patients were cured at one week and 2 patients had a recurrence four weeks later.