Bacterial Vaginosis 7 Pathogen Panel PCR (Megasphaera 1, Lactobacillus spp., Bacteroides fragilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteria Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BVAB2), Atopobium vaginae, Mobiluncus spp.)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a clinical syndrome that is most often characterized by abnormal vaginal discharge, and can lead to premature birth. It can occur during menopause. BV is characterized by a reduction or disappearance of Lactobacillus spp. bacteria, an increase in Gardnerella vaginalis, and elevated levels of potentially pathogenic bacterial complexes, including Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera type 1, bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BVAB2), Bacteroides spp., and Mobiluncus spp. Clinical symptoms of BV include an increase in vaginal pH, vaginal discharge, and an unpleasant odor. BV is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, postoperative infections following abortion or hysterectomy, an increased risk of contracting HIV, and serious pregnancy complications, including miscarriage or premature birth. BV is very common among women of reproductive age and is one of the most frequent reasons women seek care from healthcare professionals.