Prevotella spp. in the vagina
Prevotella species are a group of bacteria that live in the mouth and vagina, and can cause infections, particularly in the gums, lungs, sinuses and ears, and wounds. Prevotella species associated with vulvovaginal or urogenital infections include: Prevotella amnii Prevotella bivia Prevotella buccalis Prevotella corporis Prevotella disiens Prevotella intermedia
Porphyromonas spp.
Porphyromonas is a genus known to have pathogenic and commensal species that create part of the salivary microbiome. Because the mouth and vagina share many characteristics, these bacteria may be found in the urogenital tract. Porphyromonas asaccharolytica Porphyromonas endodontalis Porphyromonas gingivalis
Mycobacterium spp. vulvovaginal and urinary tract infections
The genus Mycobacterium has over 190 species within it, with many serious human pathogens. We cover only a fraction of these in this database, since most do not cause vulvovaginal or urinary tract infections in humans (that we are aware of, yet). Mycobacterium smegmatis Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mycobacterium are slow growing,
Streptococcus mitis vulvovaginal infections
S. mitis is usually a commensal of the mouth, but can be passed to the vagina during oral sex given by someone with gum disease.
Granulicatella elegans vulvovaginal infection
Granulicatella elegans is an uncommon human infection that is most commonly associated with heart infections (endocarditis). Vulvovaginal infections are rare, as are urinary tract infections, caused by Granulicatella elegans.
Streptococcus pneumoniae vulvovaginal infections
Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause very serious gynaecological infections in women, however this is rare.
Finegoldia magna vulvovaginal infections
F. magna is a known vaginal pathogen causing bacterial vaginosis and other symptoms, though it can also be a commensal.
Eggerthella hongkongensis vulvovaginal and urinary tract infections
Eggerthella hongkongensis is a commensal bacteria found commonly in the human digestive tract, however recently this species of Eggerthella has been found to be responsible for severe infections. There is currently no reports of Eggerthella hongkongensis in vulvovaginal or urinary tract infections, however it may be part of a group of
Chryseobacterium spp. vulvovaginal and urinary tract infections
Chryseobacterium species are a known human pathogen with low virulence, but very resistant to antibiotics, making it a nuisance in hospitals. Anyone with severe underlying disease, catheters or other devices is at risk of infection by Chryseobacterium species, but generally, this bacteria stays clear of the vagina and urinary tract in
Catonella spp. vulvovaginal colonisation and infection
There is just one known species of Catonella, being Catonella morbi. Catonella morbi is rarely associated with bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections and vaginal dysbiosis, but two papers report associations with vulvovaginal infections where Catonella morbi was present. Catonella may contribute to vaginal dysbiosis that may cause preterm birth. Catonella species can be
Fournier gangrene (necrotising fasciitis) – flesh-eating disease of the vulva
Fournier's gangrene is a type of necrotising fasciitis, which is also known terrifyingly as a flesh-eating disease caused by bacteria. Signs include areas of the vulva turning black.
Aerococcus spp. urinary tract and vulvovaginal infections
Aerococcus species are an emerging human pathogenic group of bacteria, with several problematic bacteria in its ranks. A. urinae A. sanguinicola A. viridans A. urinae causes urinary tract infections, while A. sanguinicola has been identified in human urine and blood. Aerococci have been mistaken for streptococci in labs, causing an underestimation
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria typically found living in the mouth, nose, or skin without causing any harm. Some strains of Staph have become antibiotic resistant, and are now classified as ‘superbugs’, with MRSA infections very difficult to treat with regular antibiotic methods. Methicillin is a synthetic form of
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep, GBS)
GBS can harmlessly inhabit the vagina, sometimes causing infections and unpleasant symptoms, though this remains controversial between practitioners.
Staphylococcus aureus vulvovaginal infections
Staphylococcus aureus, also known as golden staph, is one of the most common skin infections of humans. Vaginal colonisation is a bit less common, but does happen, as part of aerobic vaginitis.
Sneathia sanguinegens (formerly Leptotrichia sanguinegens)
Sneathi sanguinegens contributes to bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth, and may contribute to urethritis in men who do not have any other diagnosis.
Sneathia vaginalis (formerly Sneathia amnii)
Sneathia amnii is cytotoxic to vaginal cells and kills eukaryotic cells (like mitochondria) in culture, while also contributing to preterm birth.