Aerobic vaginitis: Abnormal vaginal flora entity that is distinct from bacterial vaginosis

We conclude that AV is a condition of abnormal vaginal flora that differs from BV. Genital complaints are those of a real vaginitis (red inflammation, yellow discharge, vaginal dyspareunia). Group B streptococci, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Trichomonas vaginalis are frequently cultured. As in BV, vaginal lactate concentration is severely depressed in patients with AV. Unlike patients with BV, vaginal succinate is not produced in AV. Also in contrast to BV, AV produces a host immune response that leads to high production of interleukin-6, interleukin-1-β and leukemia inhibitory factor in the vaginal fluid. Therefore, AV is an entity describing vaginitis associated with aerobic microorganisms, mainly group B streptococci and E. coli. Its characteristics are different from those of BV and elicit an important host response. In theory, AV is a better candidate than BV to be involved in the causation of pregnancy complications, such as ascending chorioamnionitis, preterm rupture of the membranes and preterm delivery.