Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina

Generally found in the mouth, opportunistic pathogen in humans. Produces black pigment when grown on blood-containing media, which can be seen in quickly progressing gum lesions​1​.

Acidic microbe (liquefies gelatin and clots milk).

Normal flora of the upper respiratory tract in humans (lungs, nose). Often mixes with anaerobic infections with aerobic and anaerobic colleagues.

  • Melanin = dark
  • So named due to the production of black pigment and black colonies.

Associated with high blood pressure.

Commonly found in severe anaerobic infections of the intestines and female reproductive/genital tract, respiratory tract, and bone infections. Found in dental plaque, mouth mucosa, tonsils. Inhibited by the presence of iron, so tends to stay in areas of low iron.

Produces hemolysin, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, cytotoxic substances. Inhibits phagocytosis. Stimulates host immune system to produce damaging substances. Can break down the cell walls (lyse) red blood cells, mast cells, neutrophils, and other cells. Causes inflammatory response.

Hemolysin was only produced under conditions whereby iron was limited, and magnesium and calcium inhibit the reaction​1​​2​.

References

  1. 1.
    Zambon JJ, Reynolds HS, Slots J. Black-pigmented Bacteroides spp. in the human oral cavity. Infection and Immunity. Published online 1981:198-203. doi:10.1128/iai.32.1.198-203.1981
  2. 2.
    Allison H, Hillman J. Cloning and characterization of a Prevotella melaninogenica hemolysin. Infect Immun. 1997;65(7):2765-2771. doi:10.1128/IAI.65.7.2765-2771.1997
Condition typeBacteria
Affected systems
Sexually Transmissible
Genitourinary Incidence
Age group affected

Microbial information

Anaerobe / AerobeObligate anaerobe
Gram stainGram-negative
Best tests to detect
Pathogen of
Commensal of
(Can naturally inhabit, but not necessarily as a healthy addition)
  • Mouth
  • Nose
  • Lungs
Optimal growth pH
Conditions correlated with
Cellular adherence capacities
Found in healthy vaginas
Biofilm-forming capacities
  • High
Cellular Morphology
  • Coccobacillus (between round and rod-shaped)
Microbe MotilityNon-motile
Colony Colour
  • Black
Substances Produced
Sexually Transmissible

What are the symptoms of Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina?

  • No symptoms found for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina, yet.

What causes Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina?

  • No causes found for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina, yet.

What are the risk factors associated with Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina?

  • No risk factors for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina, yet.

How do you diagnose Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina?

  • No diagnoses found for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina, yet.

How do you treat Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina?

Treatments for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina are only for practitioners and people who purchased the book Killing BV and Killing BV for men.

Which treatments are likely to be ineffective for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina?

  • No resistances found for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina, yet.

What complications are associated with Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina?

  • No complications found for Prevotella melaninogenica in the vagina, yet.

References

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