Final answer:
Gardnerella vaginalis causes bacterial vaginosis, which can result in various symptoms and complications, particularly during pregnancy. It's an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota usually treated with antibiotics. Prevention includes maintaining proper hygiene and being cautious with potential irritants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gardnerella vaginalis is known to cause bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. BV is characterized by an imbalance in the normal vaginal microbiota where the population of Lactobacillus spp. decreases, vaginal pH increases, and G. vaginalis proliferates.
Symptoms can range from mild to undetectable but may include a thin, white-to-yellow homogeneous discharge, burning, odor, and itching. When G. vaginalis thrives, it attaches to vaginal epithelial cells, forms a protective biofilm, and produces a cytotoxin named vaginolysin that lyses both vaginal epithelial and red blood cells.
Bacterial vaginosis can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and potentially second-trimester miscarriage. It's important to treat BV, especially during pregnancy, to prevent these complications. While BV can be self-limiting, antibiotics are often recommended if symptoms develop.
Prevention and management of BV involve proper hygiene, avoiding irritants, and maintaining a healthy balance of vaginal microbiota. Risk factors for vaginal infections include wearing tight clothing, taking antibiotics, using birth control pills, and improper hygiene. Understanding these risk factors can help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria like G. vaginalis.