Which bacterium is the most common indicator of bacterial vaginosis?

Which bacterium is the most common indicator of bacterial vaginosis?

• A. Eikenella
• B. Capnocytophaga
• C. Gardnerella
• D. Listeria

Answer: (C)

Bacterial vaginosis happens when the normal lactobacilli-dominated vaginal flora is disrupted and anaerobic bacteria overgrow. The organism most consistently linked to BV and used as a diagnostic indicator is Gardnerella vaginalis. It is frequently found in BV and, on Gram stain, is seen as Gram-variable to Gram-positive rods alongside a marked reduction of lactobacilli; the presence of clue cells also supports BV and is commonly associated with Gardnerella. This strong association makes Gardnerella vaginalis the best indicator among the options. The other organisms listed are not characteristically linked to BV—Eikenella and Capnocytophaga are more typical of oral flora or other contexts, and Listeria is a different pathogen unrelated to BV.