Final answer:
Vaginitis in infants under 12 months old should prompt evaluation for infections or imbalances. Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans, and Trichomonas vaginalis are organisms associated with vaginitis. Diagnosis involves symptoms, microscopic examination, or culture of discharge, with treatment depending on the cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
A possible infection or imbalance in the vaginal microbiota must be suspected if a baby younger than 12 months old exhibits vaginitis. In certain situations, the illness may be caused by a small number of germs. The three kinds of organisms that are linked to vaginitis are protozoans, fungus, and bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis is a common bacterium that causes bacterial vaginosis, which can have a fishy smell and produce an acidic discharge. Candida albicans is a fungus that can cause vaginitis and candidiasis, a yeast infection that is characterized by a low-pH discharge that resembles cottage cheese. Finally, trichomoniasis, which is characterized by a yellow-green foamy discharge and a foul odor, can be caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. A microscopic inspection or culture of the vaginal discharge are frequently used in conjunction with the patient's description of symptoms to make the diagnosis of vaginitis. Treatment for vaginitis usually consists of oral or topical antifungal or antibiotic drugs, depending on what caused the condition in the first place.