Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
Summer 2018
Document Type
Project
Course Number
5330
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology
Professor’s Name
Dr. John Chovan
Keywords
bacterial vaginosis, lactobacilli, Gardnerella vaginalis, sexually transmitted infections, biofilm
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a dysbiosis, or a microbial imbalance in the normal vaginal flora. Anaerobic pathogenic bacteria, particularly Gardnerella vaginalis, outgrow the normal, protective lactobacilli leading to symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge and malodor. BV affects 21 million women in the United States alone. It is the most common vaginal disorder in women ages 15 to 44 years. Serious complications from BV include preterm labor, pelvic inflammatory disease and increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The advanced practice nurse (APN) should have significant understanding of this disorder since it is so prevalent and recurring among the female population. There are several hypotheses on the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, however, the exact cause or mechanism that leads to the microbial shift characteristic of BV is unknown. Continued research is imperative for the development of more efficacious treatments and improved patient education and prevention. Clinicians must also stay informed of the latest research and new therapies to best help their patients as current therapies do not eradicate the disease for almost half of affected women. Since having BV increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV, treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis can also help reduce the spread of STIs, including HIV.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Shreya, "Bacterial Vaginosis" (2018). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 274.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/274