
The three genera of anaerobic gram-negative cocci, Acidaminococcus, Megasphaera, and Veillonella, are normal fecal flora that rarely cause disease in humans. Veillonella spp. also are part of the normal oral flora. In children, Veillonella spp. occasionally have been associated with abscesses, aspiration pneumonia, and chronic sinusitis. 36
Full Answer
What is megaspheara BV?
Megaspheara species. Megasphaera bacteria (type 1 and type 2) are highly associated with bacterial vaginosis, and in one study using PCR testing, were found in higher concentrations (up to five times more) in those with BV than those without. Megasphaera are gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, part of Clostridia genus.
What is Megasphaera vaginosis?
Megasphaera bacteria (type 1 and type 2) are highly associated with bacterial vaginosis, and in one study using PCR testing, were found in higher concentrations (up to five times more) in those with BV than those without. Megasphaera are gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, part of Clostridia genus. Oxygen is toxic to these bacteria.
What class does Megasphaera belong to?
Megasphaera is a genus of Firmicutes bacteria classified within the class Negativicutes. This classification has been reexamined. It appears that this genus is a member of the Clostridia .
Is Megasphaera Clostridia?
Megasphaera is a genus of Firmicutes bacteria classified within the class Negativicutes. This classification has been reexamined. It appears that this genus is a member of the Clostridia.

What causes Megasphaera?
Infections Caused by Anaerobic Microorganisms parvula, V. atypica and V. dispar, which are part of the microbiota of the oral cavity and the intestinal and genitourinary tract.
Is it bacterial vaginosis or an STD?
BV is a bacterial infection that causes unusual vaginal discharge. According to a 2020 article , BV is not an STI. The authors state that an STI is an infection that occurs as a result of bacteria or other pathogens that do not occur naturally in the vagina.
What does Megasphaera 1 mean?
Part Description. LP140228-0 Megasphaera sp type 1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection, occurring when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina.
What are Megasphaera species?
Megasphaera species are Gram-negative fastidious anaerobic organisms.
Can BV show up as chlamydia?
Bacterial vaginosis was a strong predictor of gonorrhea and chlamydial infection among subjects who reported recent exposure to a male partner with urethritis. These data support the importance of vaginal flora in the defense against STD acquisition.
What STD can be mistaken for BV?
Often, BV can be mistaken for other conditions, such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia. Often, BV (or STDs) do not have any symptoms at all, so it's imperative always to make a yearly gynecological appointment.
Why do I keep getting BV?
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get it if: you're sexually active (but women who have not had sex can also get BV) you have had a change of partner.
How do you get rid of chronic BV?
If you're diagnosed with BV, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Unfortunately, BV often returns after a few months. However, taking the following steps may help reduce your risk of recurring BV infections....Some effective stress management activities include:Exercise. ... Deep breathing. ... Yoga.
How do females get BV?
BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.
What does bvab2 mean?
BD MAX Vaginal Panel is a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that tests for five vaginosis-associated organisms: Lactobacillus species, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Bacterial Vaginosis Associated Bacteria-2 (BVAB- 2), and Megasphaera-1.
Does BV go away on its own?
Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. But in some women it doesn't go away on its own. And for many women it comes back after it has cleared up. Antibiotic treatment works for some women but not others.
Is BV the same as chlamydia?
BV, unlike chlamydia, is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. It affects only females and can be induced by sex but not transmitted by a sex partner. Sexual activity can change the pH of the vagina and induce BV symptoms. Other common things that can lead to BV are low immunity and pregnancy.
Can BV turn into chlamydia if left untreated?
If left untreated, BV can increase your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.
Can a bacterial infection turn into a STD?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Having BV can increase your chance of getting an STD. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15-44. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women. Pregnant women with BV may deliver premature (early) or low birth-weight babies.
How long does bacterial vaginosis last?
While the infection may go away on its own, most doctors use antibiotics to treat it. You may have been prescribed pills or vaginal cream. With treatment, bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 5 to 7 days.
Where are megasphaera found?
Megasphaera species are also found in the mouth, and are not thought to be pathogens, but exist with other bacteria in a colony. These bacteria can adhere to cells, but virulence genes have not been identified. In plain English, this means it survives where it can, but isn’t likely to be driving your BV by itself.
Is Megasphaera lactic acid?
Megasphaera is an unculturable bacteria and can only be found using DNA/RNA (PCR) testing techniques. Megasphaera are lactic-acid producing bacteria, so may be considered part of a healthy environment by lowering the local pH to make it more acidic.
Is Megasphaera gram negative?
Megasphaera bacteria (type 1 and type 2) are highly associated with bacterial vaginosis, and in one study using PCR testing, were found in higher concentrations (up to five times more) in those with BV than those without. Megasphaera are gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, part of Clostridia genus. Oxygen is toxic to these bacteria.
What are the Most Common STIs and Vaginal Infections?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the highest reported STIs in the United States. 3 Other common STIs and vaginal infections include trichomonas, HPV, herpes simplex, yeast, bacterial vaginosis, and aerobic vaginitis. 2,3
How many cases of STIs are there in the US?
Many people are unaware that they have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, are common. There are about 20 million new cases of STIs in the US each year. 1
Why is sexual health important?
However, it is something that is often neglected, in some cases out of embarrassment or apprehension about the process of being diagnosed and treated. You can take control of your health by making the most informed healthcare decisions.
How to diagnose BV?
BV can be diagnosed by using clinical criteria (i.e., Amsel’s diagnostic criteria) ( 999) or by determining the Nugent score from a vaginal Gram stain ( 1000 ). Vaginal Gram stain, considered the reference standard laboratory method for diagnosing BV, is used to determine the relative concentration of lactobacilli (i.e., long gram-positive rods), small gram-negative and gram-variable rods (i.e., G. vaginalis or Bacteroides ), and curved gram-negative rods (i.e., Mobiluncus) characteristic of BV. A Nugent score of 0–3 is consistent with a Lactobacillus -predominant vaginal microbiota, 4–6 with intermediate microbiota (emergence of G. vaginalis ), and 7–10 with BV. Clinical diagnosis of BV by Amsel criteria requires at least three of the following four symptoms or signs:
What is the Max Vaginal Panel?
The Max Vaginal Panel provides results by an algorithmic analysis of molecular DNA detection of Lactobacillus species ( L. crispatus and L. jensenii) in addition to G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, BVAB2, and Megasphaera type 1. This test has 90.5% sensitivity and 85.8% specificity for BV diagnosis, compared with Amsel criteria and Nugent score. It also provides results for Candida species and T. vaginalis. The Aptima BV detects G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, and certain Lactobacillus species including L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 95.0% to 97.3% and 85.8% to 89.6%, respectively (using either clinician- or patient-collected vaginal swabs). The three laboratory-developed tests (NuSwab VG, OneSwab BV Panel PCR with Lactobacillus Profiling by qPCR, and SureSwab BV) have to be internally validated before use for patient care yet have good sensitivity and specificity, similar to FDA-cleared assays. BV NAATs should be used among symptomatic women only (e.g., women with vaginal discharge, odor, or itch) because their accuracy is not well defined for asymptomatic women. Despite the availability of BV NAATs, traditional methods of BV diagnosis, including the Amsel criteria, Nugent score, and the Affirm VP III assay, remain useful for diagnosing symptomatic BV because of their lower cost and ability to provide a rapid diagnosis. Culture of G. vaginalis is not recommended as a diagnostic tool because it is not specific. Cervical Pap tests have no clinical utility for diagnosing BV because of their low sensitivity and specificity.
Does metronidazole inhibit acetaldehyde dehydrogenase?
Metronidazole does not inhibit acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, as occurs with disulfiram. Ethanol alone or ethanol-independent side effects of metronidazole might explain the suspicion of disulfiram-like effects. Thus, refraining from alcohol use while taking metronidazole (or tinidazole) is unnecessary. Clindamycin cream is oil based and might weaken latex condoms and diaphragms for 5 days after use (refer to clindamycin product labeling for additional information).
