Corynebacterium vaginale in non-purulent vaginitis

The diagnostic importance of a cytological evaluation of a Gram-stained smear of the discharge from a case of non-purulent vaginitis (NVP) due to corynebacterium vaginale is emphasized. A battery of rapid laboratory tests designed to identify the organism on the second day of incubation with an accuracy of at least 97% is proposed. In a prospective study of 1402 patients, 310 (22%) were found to be asymptomatic carriers of C. vaginale and 42 (3%) had vaginal discharge attributable only to C. vaginale. The clinical features of NVP and results of several treatment regimens in a controlled trial of treatment are compared. Metronidazole given by mouth (1200 mg/day in divided doses) produced the best remission rate, although complicating candidiasis developed in 25% of cases.