Gardnerella vaginalis

Gram Stain

• Gram variable bacilli or coccobacilli thin (aerobic)

Clinical Significance

This organism is part of normal vaginal and anorectal flora.

It is associated with urinary tract infections including pyelonephritis, and perinephric abscesses in both males and females. It can cause bacteremia and has been associated with empyema, pulmonary abscesses, and endocarditis.

Infections are often polymicrobial.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

This organism is usually susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, macrolides, clindamycin, tetracyclines, and vancomycin.

Metronidazole is drug of choice for bacterial vaginosis.