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Can group B streptococci cause symptomatic vaginitis?
E Honig1, J W Mouton, W I van der Meijden
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 17, 1999
Summary
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) may cause symptomatic vaginitis in some women. Recurrent GBS colonization led to recurring symptoms, suggesting a potential disease entity responsive to chlorhexidine when antibiotics failed.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Maternal cervicovaginal colonization by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant risk factor for neonatal complications.
- Approximately 15% of women are asymptomatic carriers of GBS.
Observation:
- Two cases of symptomatic vaginitis were observed where no other cause was identified.
- Patients experienced recurring vaginitis symptoms correlating with GBS colonization.
- Symptoms resolved with antibiotic treatment but returned upon recolonization.
Findings:
- Antibiotic resistance emerged in GBS strains.
- Local chlorhexidine application proved effective in managing recurrent GBS vaginitis.
- The study hypothesizes GBS-vaginitis as a distinct clinical entity.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to understand the immunologic factors influencing GBS symptomatic vaginitis.
- This suggests a potential new diagnosis and treatment approach for specific vaginitis cases.