Final answer:
Vaginitis is often related to the use of antibiotics, as they disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiota, enabling the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms like Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vaginitis caused by infection is often related to the risk factor of antibiotic use. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of vaginal microbiota, decreasing the number of protective lactobacilli and increasing vaginal pH. This disruption makes it easier for pathogenic bacteria and fungi, particularly Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans, to overgrow and cause infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
The importance of a balanced vaginal microbiota is evident, as it normally limits the growth of these potentially harmful organisms. Therefore, maintaining this balance is crucial, and any interference, such as that from antibiotic therapy, can lead to vaginitis.