British Journal of Clinical Practice 50, no. It presents with grey, homogenous, offensive vaginal discharge that has a raised pH. However, around half the women with this condition are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is best made by a microscopic examination of a Gram-stained smear of vaginal secretions.
Treatment is with metronidazole or clindamycin.
It may be described as an alteration of the vaginal flora in response to various, as yet undetermined, exogenous or endogenous factors. It is a common condition that may be asymptomatic, or may cause a vaginal discharge which is typically grey, homogenous, and offensive. Microbiological descriptions of the condition date as early as 1914. This categorization is still used today. H. vaginalis was later reclassified and renamed Gardnerella vaginalis in recognition of their contribution.