Vaginitis

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Revision as of 22:24, 12 August 2010 by imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (Atrophic vaginitis)
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In medicine, vaginitis is "inflammation of the vagina characterized by pain and a purulent discharge."[1] Common causes are trichimonas vaginalis, candida albicans, and gardnerella vaginalis. Atrophic vaginitis, however, is a different syndrome, not involving infection.

Diagnosis

The best symptoms and physical examination findings for diagnosis have been identified in a systematic review by the Rational Clinical Examination.[2]

  • Candida albicans usually causes itching and the absence of this finding helps exclude this pathogen.
  • Gardnerella vaginalis usually causes foul and the absence of this finding helps exclude this pathogen.

A more recent meta-analysis estimates that the accuracy of the physical examination as compared to DNA probe testing are:[3]

Treatment

Probiotics may reduce recurrences.[4]

References