Module 5: Gardnerella and bacterial vaginosis

Question 1

Organism that causes bacterial vaginosis

Answer 1

Gardnerella vaginalis

Question 2

Antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis

Answer 2

Metronidazole (flagyl)

Question 3

Genus Gardnerella

Answer 3

Contains only one species, Gardnerella vaginalis

Question 4

Typical cellular morphology of G. vaginalis

Answer 4

Small, pleomorphic Gram negative to Gram variable rods

Question 5

Gardnerella vaginalis is associated with what infection?

Answer 5

Bacterial vaginosis

Question 6

Clue cells

Answer 6

Epithelial cells coated with G. vaginalis, with indistinct margins
Indicative of bacterial vaginosis

Question 7

Vaginalis agar (V agar)

Answer 7

Columbia agar base with peptone and 5% human blood added

Question 8

Human blood bilayer tween (HBT) agar

Answer 8

Columbia agar base supplemented with Proteose, peptone, tween 80 (enhances growth and improves hemolytic reactions), colistin, nalidic acid and amphotericin B
Bottom layer is poured and allowed to solidify, then the same medium enriched with 5% human blood is added as a top layer

Question 9

Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis

Answer 9

Any 3 of the following:
o	Vaginal pH above 4.7
o	Thin homogenous, milky discharge that is not purulent
o	Fishy smell when 10% KOH is added
o	Clue cells

Question 10

Non-spore forming, non-motile, Gram variable coccobacilli seen in clue cells are

Answer 10

Gardnerella vaginalis

Question 11

Antimicrobial used to treat bacterial vaginosis

Answer 11

Metronidazole (flagyl)