Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Bacterial Vaginosis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as its name indicates, aims to control, and prevent diseases occurring worldwide. It is primarily a US-based organization that branches out to foreign countries. It is the main basis of medical personnel in information dissemination, prevention, and treatment of diseases. It is responsible for discovering new diseases, cures, and also distributes the information throughout smaller organization of different countries to inform everyone of the current health status.

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection in the vagina, previously known as Gardnerella vaginitis. It was believed that Gardnerella vaginalis, one of most common harmful bacteria found in the vagina, primarily caused the infection. Studies, however, eventually proved that more bacteria may cause infection. Normally, certain bacteria are found in the vagina such as lactobacilli. If foreign bacteria were to outnumber the good bacteria in the vagina, it will result to vaginal infection.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually acquired through sexual intercourse, especially if having multiple partners and if there’s no use of condom. Those who have not engaged in sex can also be rarely infected through douching or if the vagina doesn’t normally produce enough number of lactobacilli. Women are mostly the victims of this infection. If men are infected, the etiologic agents are usually the same as in women.

Bacterial vaginosis is often the primary assumption if there are vaginal malodor and vaginal discharge. Itching and burning sensation when urinating are also symptoms of vaginal infection. Since women can also be asymptomatic, a pelvic exam is needed to diagnose this infection. The most common clinical signs are vaginal sample with “clue cell” and vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher.

Bacterial vaginosis is not life threatening but it is very disturbing, especially if it gets secondary fungal or viral infection. It does not usually cause complications, but premature births, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and infections after vaginal surgery are possible. Self-prevention tips from this infection includes using non-deodorant soaps and unscented pads, using of latex condom, reducing the number of sex partners, and preventing douching.

Sex toys and unsafe sexual practices, such as anal sex, should also be prevented. Check ups for both partners, safe sex, monogamy, alcohol intake limitations, and vaccinations can also reduce the risk of acquiring

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and bacterial vaginosis will always deal with each other in the health care world. CDC has offices, institutes, and centers collaborated with different organizations of other countries to be effective in assuring people’s wellness and also for faster dissemination of relevant health-related information.

For diagnosis and treatment of bacterial vaginosis, laboratory tests are given to healthcare professionals by the CDC. CDC directs them to conduct seminars and other preventive measures. CDC also provides them the amount and duration of drug intake as treatment, especially for persons in certain situations, such as pregnancy.

In concurrence with technology, CDC already has an online site which contains all the information about bacterial vaginosis, prevention, treatment, and all of the bacteria capable of causing the infection. It also gives out information of the need-to-knows about other diseases. For faster access and connection with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and bacterial vaginosis information, CDC’s site is always accessible.