Bacterial vaginosis origins sought

SEATTLE, Nov 7, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Seattle scientists say they have found three newly recognized bacteria in an effort to identify specific bacterial markers for bacterial vaginosis.

The research was conducted by Dr. David Fredricks of the Program in Infectious Diseases at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo of the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. They say they are hopeful their findings will help identify the specific cause of and better treatment for the disease.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis, and the most common reason women seek treatment for vaginal symptoms. The cause of BV is not known.

BV often exists without causing any symptoms, and women may not know they have it. For as yet unknown reasons, lesbians and bisexual women apparently have a higher occurrence of BV than do heterosexual women.

The findings are reported in this week's New England Journal of Medicine.

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