Symptoms
Gardnerella vaginalis may be associated with a condition called bacterial vaginosis, whose symtoms may be asymptomatic, but can include vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, and a "fish like" odor. In the "amine whiff test" 10% KOH is added to the discharge, a positive result indicated if a fishy smell is produced. This and other tests can be used to distinguish between vaginal symptoms related to G. vaginalis from those caused by other organisms, such as Trichomonas and Candida albicans, which are similar and may require different treatment. Trichomonas vaginalis and Gardnerella vaginalis have similar clinical presentations and can cause a frothy gray or yellow-green vaginal discharge, pruritus, and produce a positive "whiff-test." The two can be distinguished using a wet mount slide, where a swab of the vaginal epithelium is diluted and then placed onto a slide for observation under a microscope. Gardnerella reveals a classic "clue cell" under the microscope, showing bacteria adhering to the surface of squamous epithelial cells. Both conditions are treated with metronidazole or clindamycin.
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