Involvement of Gardnerella vaginalis in urinary tract infections in men

Fifteen male patients from whose urine samples Gardnerella vaginalis was isolated (clinical incidence of 0.1%) were evaluated for clinical signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection and modality of acquisition of the organism. Ten of 15 (67%) patients were symptomatic or had signs of inflammation as manifested by an increased number of urinary neutrophils. One patient had two bouts of infection caused by this organism which required two courses of antibiotic therapy. Colonies of diphtheroidlike organisms found in urine cultures should not be ignored as insignificant but should be further investigated to determine whether G. vaginalis is present.