Corynebacterium vaginale: a neglected pathogen in family practice

In an urban practice, 76 cases of Corynebacterium vaginale infection were discovered in a two year period. In retrospect, eight percent of the female patients in the practice had this organism. Most of these women were symptomatic and 45% had atypical Pap smears. Sulfa vaginal cream was found to be ineffective in six of nine cases. Various oral antibiotic treatments of both partners were compared. A ten day course of metronidazole was found to give the best result. Metronidazole in one dose, ampicillin and tetracycline were found to be less effective.