Detection of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis pathogens by PCR (Megasphaera 1, Lactobacillus spp., Bacteroides fragilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BVAB2), Atopobium vaginae, Mobiluncus spp., Candida: albicans, krusei, glabrata, dubliniensis, parapsilosis, tropicalis, lusitaniae)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a clinical syndrome that is most often characterized by unusual vaginal discharge and may induce preterm birth. It can occur during menopause. BV is marked by a decrease or disappearance of Lactobacillus spp. bacteria, an increase of Gardnerella vaginalis, and elevated levels of potentially pathogenic bacterial complexes, including Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera type 1, bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BVAB2), Bacteroides spp., Mobiluncus spp. BV clinical symptoms include increased 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 after abortions or hysterectomy, an increased risk of HIV infection, and serious pregnancy complications, including miscarriage or preterm birth. BV is very common in women of reproductive age and is one of the most frequent reasons women seek treatment from healthcare professionals.

Candidiasis is a very common disease that affects up to 75% of women at least once in their lifetime. It is most commonly caused by Candida albicans; however, other Candida species such as krusei, glabrata, dubliniensis, parapsilosis, tropicalis, lusitaniae also occur. Typical symptoms of candidiasis include itching, vaginal pain, pain during intercourse, external dysuria, and abnormal vaginal discharge. In men, it causes redness and itching on the glans penis, white discharge under the foreskin, a bad odor, and pain during intercourse. If untreated, inflammations recur, may lead to secondary bacterial infections, cause urinary tract infections, and reproductive system complications.