<i>Gardnerella</i> Revisited: Species Heterogeneity, Virulence Factors, Mucosal Immune Responses, and Contributions to Bacterial Vaginosis
Elinor Shvartsman, Janet E. Hill, Paul Sandstrom, Kelly S. MacDonald
Abstract
Gardnerella species are associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and have been investigated as etiological agents of the condition. Nonetheless, the isolation of this taxon from healthy individuals has raised important questions regarding its etiological role.
Topics & Concepts
Bacterial vaginosisBiologyVirulenceMicrobiologyGardnerella vaginalisImmune systemCommensalismImmunologyBacteriaGeneticsGeneBiochemistryReproductive tract infections researchBacterial Infections and VaccinesCervical Cancer and HPV Research