Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
04:18

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

The aetiology of paediatric inflammatory vulvovaginitis

Juan Cuadros1, Ana Mazón, Rocío Martinez

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Cra. de Meco s/n, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain. jcuadros@efd.net

European Journal of Pediatrics
|December 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric vulvovaginitis is often caused by upper respiratory tract pathogens. A recent upper respiratory infection is the most common risk factor for this condition in young girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gynecology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Vulvovaginitis is a frequent gynecological issue in prepubertal girls.
  • Microbial etiology data for moderate to severe cases are often limited.
  • Pediatricians may lack clarity on the pathogenic significance of vaginal isolates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microbial causes of vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls.
  • To identify significant risk factors associated with pediatric vulvovaginitis.
  • To differentiate common pathogens from non-significant isolates.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter study involving 74 girls (2-12 years) with vulvovaginitis.
  • Standard microbiological culturing of vaginal specimens.
  • Comparison with a control group of 11 healthy girls.
  • Questionnaires to assess risk factors like recent infections and hygiene.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus spp. were the most common isolates.
  • A history of upper respiratory tract infection in the prior month was a significant risk factor (P<0.001).
  • Previous vulvovaginitis (P<0.05) was also a significant risk factor.
  • Foreign bodies, sexual abuse, poor hygiene, and socioeconomic status were not identified as risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric inflammatory vulvovaginitis is primarily linked to upper respiratory tract pathogens.
  • Recent upper respiratory tract infections are the most significant risk factor.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...