[Amine colpitis, not only an esthetic problem: increased infection risk in labor]

In 76 women with non-specific vaginitis we could always isolate Gardnerella vaginalis and several anaerobics, especially Bacteroides species, in hgh counts. In 19 puerperae, bacteriologial examinations of the infected episiotomy wound yielded a spectrum of pathogens similar to that of non-specific vaginitis. In 74 per cent of the women with wound infection following episiotomy, non-specific vaginitis had either already been present before childbirth (and identified as Gardnerella vaginalis vaginitis), or was confirmed at the time of infection. Staphylococcus aureus was seen in 16 per cent of the wound infections, whereas other pathogens were identified in 10 per cent. In a prospective study on vaginal flora ante partum and rate of infection post partum, based on 405 vaginal deliveries, 80% of the examined pregnant women had a normal vaginal flora with lactobacilli. In 12%, we found Gardnerella vaginalis, and in 8% a mixed flora. Since the rate of infection in women with Gardnerella vaginalis vaginitis and episiotomy was found to be ten times higher than that in women with Döderlein's flora and episiotomy, it is obvious that Gardnerella vaginalis vaginitis is not just an aesthetic problem.