Question

A decrease in the number of lactobacilli among the vaginal microbiota is thought to be the major culprit in

Choose one:
A. pelvic inflammatory disease.
B. bacterial vaginosis.
C. trichomoniasis.
D. yeast infections.

Answer 1

A decrease in lactobacilli among the vaginal microbiota can lead to bacterial vaginosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, with a decrease in lactobacilli and an increase in vaginal pH. This condition occurs when the normal population of beneficial bacterial flora, such as Lactobacillus, is disrupted.

The low levels of lactobacilli allow other harmful organisms, such as bacteria or fungi, to overgrow and cause symptoms like discharge, odor, itching, and burning.

Factors that can affect the vaginal microbiota include antibiotic therapy, illness (especially diabetes), pregnancy, presence of transient microbes, immunosuppression, and hormonal changes.