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Aerobic vaginitis in pregnancy
Author(s) -
Donders GGG,
Bellen G,
Rezeberga D
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.03020.x
Subject(s) - bacterial vaginosis , vaginitis , chorioamnionitis , pregnancy , medicine , vaginal flora , immune system , antibiotics , clindamycin , metronidazole , obstetrics , immunology , fetus , gynecology , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , genetics
Please cite this paper as: Donders G, Bellen G, Rezeberga D. Aerobic vaginitis in pregnancy. BJOG 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2011.03020.x. Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is an alteration in vaginal bacterial flora that differs from bacterial vaginosis (BV). AV is characterised by an abnormal vaginal microflora accompanied by an increased localised inflammatory reaction and immune response, as opposed to the suppressed immune response that is characteristic of BV. Given the increased local production of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6 and IL‐8 associated with AV during pregnancy, not surprisingly AV is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, chorioamnionitis and funisitis of the fetus. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for AV in pregnant or non‐pregnant women, but a broader spectrum drug such as clindamycin is preferred above metronidazole to prevent infection‐related preterm birth. The exact role of AV in pregnancy, the potential benefit of screening, and the use of newer local antibiotics, disinfectants, probiotics and immune modulators need further study.