Bacterial vaginosis is a polymicrobial infection with a collection of bacteria present, with some well-known to cause inflammation and preterm birth.
The most common bacteria involved in BV produce enzymes that break down cervical mucous and invade membranes of cells. This can weaken the membranes, causing inflammation, and increase the risk of premature rupture.
Common bacteria found in BV include:
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Mobiluncus
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Bacteroides (Prevotella) spp.
- Mobiluncus spp.
- Mycoplasma hominis
- Fusobacterium spp.
- Peptostreptococcus
- Non-viridans group Streptococci