Clinical meaning
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina caused by infection, hormonal changes, or irritants. The three most common infectious types are bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection), and trichomoniasis. In a healthy vagina, Lactobacillus bacteria maintain an acidic pH (3.8-4.5) that prevents overgrowth of harmful organisms. When this balance is disrupted, pathogenic organisms overgrow. BV results from a shift in vaginal flora with overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria (primarily Gardnerella vaginalis). Candidal vaginitis results from overgrowth of Candida yeast, commonly after antibiotic use. Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis and is sexually transmitted.