Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a type of vaginal inflammation that occurs when there is an imbalance or depletion of the normal vaginal flora, allowing for other pathogens to begin to grow.
The normal vaginal flora is dynamic and usually inhabited by lactobacilli, which keep it acidic and maintain a protected environment for the human host.
Women in their reproductive years are most likely to get Bacterial Vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age. BV may increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections and cause serious pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and pre-term birth.
Traditional therapy for symptomatic BV has been metronidazole. However, recent studies have shown that recurrent bacterial vaginosis after antimicrobial therapy is a major problem, affecting >50% of patients within one year. Providers are currently in need of a diagnostic tool to not only quickly identify pathogens that cause BV, but also monitor therapy success.
Clinical Solution
Vikor Scientific™ has developed an advanced molecular panel that specifically targets Bacterial Vaginosis, Candidiasis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The panel also includes four Lactobacilli species that are known to be predominant and protective in the vaginal setting. According to Sobel et al, testing with qPCR may be a good prognostic tool immediately post treatment to assess for dominance among the vaginal species. The eradication of non-Lactobacilli species and return of Lactobacilli suggests better long-term treatment success with a decreased rate of recurrent BV.
Clinical Advantages
- Prevents delays in diagnosis and treatment (*results within 24 to 48 hours post specimen arrival to lab)
- Detects polymicrobial infections simultaneously
- Identifies up to 49 antibiotic resistance genes in 12 antibiotic categories including Methicillin, Carbapenem and Vancomycin resistance
- Markedly less susceptible to being affected by concurrent antibiotic therapy
- Reduces unnecessary drug exposure and adverse events
- Decreases the progression and spread of infection
- Provides up-to-date regional sensitivity and susceptibility patterns
- Improves selection of narrow-spectrum antibiotics
- Prepares clinicians to make cost-effective treatment decisions
- Easily accessible results (mobile, web-portal or EMR integration)
* Test results could be delayed in some circumstances when there is error in clerical documentation, collections, lab handling, or a delay in shipping.
