A shift in predominance from gram-positive bacilli to gram-negative coccobacilli can indicate BV. By examining slides prepared from vaginal swabs, it is possible to distinguish lactobacilli (long, gram-positive rods) from other gram-negative species responsible for BV. The third method is to assess gram-stained vaginal smears for microscopic morphology and relative numbers and types of bacteria, squamous epithelial cells, and leukocytes. vaginalis and other bacteria associated with vaginosis, including Bacteroides spp., Prevotella spp., and Mobiluncus spp.). The second method is to assay for sialidase activity (sialidase is an enzyme produced by G. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis from vaginal secretions can be accurately made in three ways. vaginalis can also be isolated from healthy women, the вЂњgold standardвЂќ for the diagnosis of BV is direct examination of vaginal secretions and not the culture of G. In this vaginal smear, the cell at the lower left is a clue cell with a unique appearance caused by the presence of bacteria on the cell. vaginalis also produces a cytotoxin called vaginolysin that lyses vaginal epithelial cells and red blood cells.ДЇigureВ 1. vaginalis flourishes, causing vaginosis by attaching to vaginal epithelial cells and forming a thick protective biofilm. decreases and the vaginal pH increases, G. vaginalis is part of the normal vaginal microbiota, but when the population of Lactobacillus spp. vaginalis appears to be more virulent than other vaginal bacterial species potentially associated with BV. The disease is usually self-limiting, although antibiotic treatment is recommended if symptoms develop. Additionally, ureaplasma and mycoplasma may be involved. Other causative agents include anaerobic species such as members of the genera Bacteroides and Fusobacterium. The major causative agent is Gardnerella vaginalis, a gram-variable to gram-negative pleomorphic bacterium. Vaginosis may be asymptomatic or may cause mild symptoms such as a thin, white-to-yellow, homogeneous vaginal discharge, burning, odor, and itching. It is also possible to have an imbalance in the normal vaginal microbiota without inflammation called bacterial vaginosis (BV). Inflammation of the vagina is called vaginitis, often caused by a bacterial infection.

Often, the same microbes are capable of causing urinary tract and reproductive tract infections. As with the urinary tract, parts of the reproductive system closest to the external environment are the most likely sites of infection.

In addition to infections of the urinary tract, bacteria commonly infect the reproductive tract.

Compare the major characteristics of specific bacterial diseases affecting the reproductive system.

Identify the most common bacterial pathogens that can cause infections of the reproductive system.

I always felt little weak in micro so I wanted to make these lists for quick revision.

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