Clinical aspects of Gardnerella vaginalis-associated vaginitis. A review of the literature.

Almost 30 years ago Gardner & Dukes introduced the term Haemophilus vaginalis vaginitis. Most authors agree that this disease entity is characterized by a malodorous, homogeneous, greyish-white discharge, displaying clue cells in the wet-mount preparation. The diagnosis can be made in the office, the microscope being the most important diagnostic tool. There still seems to be some controversy regarding cause and clinical manifestations of the condition. A lack of uniformity in case definition and laboratory methods is probably responsible. The use of the term non-specific vaginitis should be discouraged, the condition being a specific entity not accompanied by vaginitis. A new term, 'clue cell-positive discharge' (CCPD), is proposed.