Anaerococcus vaginalis

Updated : November 1, 2023

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  • The epidemiology of Anaerococcus vaginalis needs to be better studied. Still, it is known that this bacterium is part of the normal vaginal flora in some women, and it can also cause infections of the female genital tract, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and ovarian abscesses. Anaerococcus vaginalis is one of the most frequently isolated GPAC (Gram-positive anaerobic cocci) from clinical specimens, accounting for approximately 25–30% of all isolated anaerobic bacteria. Anaerococcus vaginalis can also be found in other locations on the human body, like the skin and oral cavity, nasal cavity, and feces. It can be involved in polymicrobial infections of various types, such as chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, urinary tract infections, pleural empyema, blood infections, and soft tissue infections. Anaerococcus vaginalis can also play a role in axillary odor production by degrading sweat components into volatile compounds.
  • The prevalence and distribution of Anaerococcus vaginalis in different populations and regions need to be better documented, but some studies have reported its occurrence in different countries and settings. For example, a study from Japan reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the most common GPAC isolated from 100 patients with BV, with a prevalence of 67%. Another study from China reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the second most common GPAC isolated from 200 patients with BV, with a prevalence of 35%. A study from the Netherlands reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the most common GPAC isolated from 100 patients with chronic wounds, with a prevalence of 42%. A study from France reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the most common GPAC isolated from 100 patients with pleural empyema, with a prevalence of 36%.
  • The risk factors and transmission modes of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection are not fully understood. Still, some factors that may influence its colonization and pathogenicity include hormonal changes, sexual activity, hygiene practices, antibiotic use, and host immunity. Anaerococcus vaginalis can be transmitted through sexual contact or contact with contaminated surfaces or medical devices. Anaerococcus vaginalis infection can be treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin, but resistance to these drugs has been reported in some cases. Therefore, prevention and early diagnosis of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection are essential to avoid complications and reduce morbidity.
  • Kingdom: Bacteria
  • Phylum: Bacillota
  • Class: Clostridia
  • Order: Clostridiales
  • Family: Peptoniphilaceae
  • Genus: Anaerococcus
  • Species: A. vaginalis
  • The structure of  Anaerococcus vaginalis can be summarized in five points as follows:
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Anaerococcus, one of the six genera classified within the group GPAC (Gram-Positive Anaerobic Cocci).
  • The bacterium Anaerococcus vaginalis is gram-positive and solely anaerobic. It does not form spores or motile structures.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis is spherical or oval and can be arranged in pairs, tetrads, short chains, or irregular clusters. Its cell size can vary from 0.6 ÎĽm to 0.9 ÎĽm or up to 2 ÎĽm when grown on enriched blood agar.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis has a peptidoglycan cell wall that contains meso-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. Its primary cellular fatty acids are C18:1, C16:1, C18 and C16.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis has a saccharolytic metabolism that can produce lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, and hydrogen gas from glucose and other carbohydrates. Some strains of this species can also produce indole from tryptophan.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis was first recovered from vaginal discharges and ovarian abscesses, although this bacterium can also be found in pressure ulcers and diabetic feet. Some strains from this species can be indole positive. Anaerococcus vaginalis is susceptible to penicillins but resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin.
  • As for the antigenic types of Anaerococcus vaginalis, there needs to be specific information in the web search results. However, I did find a study that reported the antigenic diversity of another species of Anaerococcus, namely Anaerococcus prevotii. The study used immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the antigenic profiles of 20 strains of Anaerococcus prevotii isolated from different sources. The results showed at least four antigenic types of Anaerococcus prevotii based on the presence or absence of specific antigens.
  • The pathogenesis, or the process by which Anaerococcus vaginalis can contribute to disease, is thought to be linked to its ability to disrupt the average balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiota.
  • Here are some key points regarding its potential role in the pathogenesis of BV:
  • Dysbiosis: BV is characterized by a disruption in the normal vaginal microbiota, with a decrease in beneficial lactobacilli and an increase in various anaerobic bacteria, including Anaerococcus vaginalis. This shift in microbial composition can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, contributing to BV’s development.
  • Biofilm Formation: Anaerococcus vaginalis, like other anaerobic bacteria, can form biofilms. Communities of microorganisms called “biofilms” are enclosed in a protective matrix. These biofilms can attach to vaginal epithelial cells and other surfaces, making it difficult for the immune system and antibiotics to eradicate the infection.
  • Production of Metabolites: Anaerococcus vaginalis can produce metabolites such as volatile amines and organic acids. These metabolites can lead to the characteristic symptoms of BV, including a fishy odor and an elevated vaginal pH.
  • Inflammation: Anaerococcus vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria in BV can trigger an inflammatory response in the vaginal mucosa. This inflammation may cause discomfort and play a role in the clinical symptoms associated with BV.
  • The host defenses of Anaerococcus vaginalis can be divided into two categories: innate and adaptive. Innate defenses are the first line of defense present at birth and do not require prior exposure to the pathogen. Adaptive defenses are the second line of defense acquired after exposure to the pathogen and involve specific recognition and memory.
  • Some examples of innate defenses against Anaerococcus vaginalis are:
  • Innate defenses against Anaerococcus vaginalis:
  • Physical barriers: Skin, mucous membranes, and vaginal pH prevent entry and overgrowth.
  • Chemical barriers: Saliva, tears, sweat, gastric acid, bile, urine, and defensins inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Cellular barriers: Macrophages, neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, and mast cells recognize and destroy bacteria.
  • Inflammatory response: Triggered by pattern recognition receptors, it recruits immune cells, produces substances to kill bacteria, and activates the complement system.
  • Adaptive defenses against Anaerococcus vaginalis:
  • Humoral immunity: Antibodies, mainly IgA, neutralize, opsonize, or trigger mast cell degranulation.
  • Cellular immunity: T cells (Th and Tc) recognize bacterial antigens, with Th cells producing cytokines to activate other immune cells and Tc cells killing infected cells.
  • The clinical manifestations of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection are not well defined. Still, it is generally considered one of the causative agents of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is characterized by a change in the vaginal microbiota away from Lactobacillus species and towards more varied bacterial species, particularly facultative anaerobes. Most women of reproductive age experience BV as a vaginal disease, affecting up to 29% worldwide. BV can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, itching, burning, and irritation, but it can also be asymptomatic in some cases. BV can have profound health implications, such as a higher possibility of contracting STIs like HIV, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometritis, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis can also be involved in other types of infections, such as ovarian abscesses, chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, urinary tract infections, pleural empyema, blood infections, and soft tissue infections. However, these infections are usually polymicrobial, involving multiple bacterial species that act synergistically to cause disease. Anaerococcus vaginalis can also play a role in axillary odor production by degrading sweat components into volatile compounds.
  • Diagnosing Anaerococcus vaginalis can be challenging due to its presence in normal vaginal flora.
  • Methods include:
  • Clinical Criteria: Diagnosis may involve Amsel’s criteria, which include signs like abnormal discharge, high vaginal pH, a positive whiff test, and clue cells on microscopic examination.
  • Nugent Scoring System: The Nugent scoring system uses a Gram stain to assess the balance of different bacteria in vaginal fluid, categorizing it as usual, intermediate, or indicative of bacterial vaginosis.
  • Molecular Methods: Techniques like PCR, FISH, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing can detect and identify Anaerococcus vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria by analyzing their genetic material in vaginal samples.
  • The prevention of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection is not well established, as this bacterium is often a typical component of the vaginal flora and might be present in asymptomatic women. However, some general measures that may help to reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that is associated with Anaerococcus vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria, are:
  • Stop smoking. Smoking may alter the vaginal pH and increase the susceptibility to BV.
  • Avoid douching. Douching may disrupt the normal vaginal microbiota and cause irritation or inflammation.
  • Only use water to clean your vagina. Do not use perfumed talcs, deodorants, soaps, or other products that may irritate the vaginal mucosa or alter the vaginal pH.
  • Use barrier contraception, such as condoms, during any sex. It may prevent transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduce the exposure to semen, which may increase the vaginal pH.
  • Seek medical attention if you have symptoms of BV, such as a gray-white or yellow vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, itching, or burning. BV can be identified by clinical indicators or laboratory tests and treated with antibiotics.
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – symptoms, treatment and prevention | healthdirect
  • anaerobic vaginosis – General Practice notebook (gpnotebook.com)
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Anaerococcus vaginalis

Updated : November 1, 2023

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



  • The epidemiology of Anaerococcus vaginalis needs to be better studied. Still, it is known that this bacterium is part of the normal vaginal flora in some women, and it can also cause infections of the female genital tract, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and ovarian abscesses. Anaerococcus vaginalis is one of the most frequently isolated GPAC (Gram-positive anaerobic cocci) from clinical specimens, accounting for approximately 25–30% of all isolated anaerobic bacteria. Anaerococcus vaginalis can also be found in other locations on the human body, like the skin and oral cavity, nasal cavity, and feces. It can be involved in polymicrobial infections of various types, such as chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, urinary tract infections, pleural empyema, blood infections, and soft tissue infections. Anaerococcus vaginalis can also play a role in axillary odor production by degrading sweat components into volatile compounds.
  • The prevalence and distribution of Anaerococcus vaginalis in different populations and regions need to be better documented, but some studies have reported its occurrence in different countries and settings. For example, a study from Japan reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the most common GPAC isolated from 100 patients with BV, with a prevalence of 67%. Another study from China reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the second most common GPAC isolated from 200 patients with BV, with a prevalence of 35%. A study from the Netherlands reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the most common GPAC isolated from 100 patients with chronic wounds, with a prevalence of 42%. A study from France reported that Anaerococcus vaginalis was the most common GPAC isolated from 100 patients with pleural empyema, with a prevalence of 36%.
  • The risk factors and transmission modes of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection are not fully understood. Still, some factors that may influence its colonization and pathogenicity include hormonal changes, sexual activity, hygiene practices, antibiotic use, and host immunity. Anaerococcus vaginalis can be transmitted through sexual contact or contact with contaminated surfaces or medical devices. Anaerococcus vaginalis infection can be treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin, but resistance to these drugs has been reported in some cases. Therefore, prevention and early diagnosis of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection are essential to avoid complications and reduce morbidity.
  • Kingdom: Bacteria
  • Phylum: Bacillota
  • Class: Clostridia
  • Order: Clostridiales
  • Family: Peptoniphilaceae
  • Genus: Anaerococcus
  • Species: A. vaginalis
  • The structure of  Anaerococcus vaginalis can be summarized in five points as follows:
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Anaerococcus, one of the six genera classified within the group GPAC (Gram-Positive Anaerobic Cocci).
  • The bacterium Anaerococcus vaginalis is gram-positive and solely anaerobic. It does not form spores or motile structures.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis is spherical or oval and can be arranged in pairs, tetrads, short chains, or irregular clusters. Its cell size can vary from 0.6 ÎĽm to 0.9 ÎĽm or up to 2 ÎĽm when grown on enriched blood agar.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis has a peptidoglycan cell wall that contains meso-diaminopimelic acid and glycine. Its primary cellular fatty acids are C18:1, C16:1, C18 and C16.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis has a saccharolytic metabolism that can produce lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, and hydrogen gas from glucose and other carbohydrates. Some strains of this species can also produce indole from tryptophan.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis was first recovered from vaginal discharges and ovarian abscesses, although this bacterium can also be found in pressure ulcers and diabetic feet. Some strains from this species can be indole positive. Anaerococcus vaginalis is susceptible to penicillins but resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin.
  • As for the antigenic types of Anaerococcus vaginalis, there needs to be specific information in the web search results. However, I did find a study that reported the antigenic diversity of another species of Anaerococcus, namely Anaerococcus prevotii. The study used immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the antigenic profiles of 20 strains of Anaerococcus prevotii isolated from different sources. The results showed at least four antigenic types of Anaerococcus prevotii based on the presence or absence of specific antigens.
  • The pathogenesis, or the process by which Anaerococcus vaginalis can contribute to disease, is thought to be linked to its ability to disrupt the average balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiota.
  • Here are some key points regarding its potential role in the pathogenesis of BV:
  • Dysbiosis: BV is characterized by a disruption in the normal vaginal microbiota, with a decrease in beneficial lactobacilli and an increase in various anaerobic bacteria, including Anaerococcus vaginalis. This shift in microbial composition can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, contributing to BV’s development.
  • Biofilm Formation: Anaerococcus vaginalis, like other anaerobic bacteria, can form biofilms. Communities of microorganisms called “biofilms” are enclosed in a protective matrix. These biofilms can attach to vaginal epithelial cells and other surfaces, making it difficult for the immune system and antibiotics to eradicate the infection.
  • Production of Metabolites: Anaerococcus vaginalis can produce metabolites such as volatile amines and organic acids. These metabolites can lead to the characteristic symptoms of BV, including a fishy odor and an elevated vaginal pH.
  • Inflammation: Anaerococcus vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria in BV can trigger an inflammatory response in the vaginal mucosa. This inflammation may cause discomfort and play a role in the clinical symptoms associated with BV.
  • The host defenses of Anaerococcus vaginalis can be divided into two categories: innate and adaptive. Innate defenses are the first line of defense present at birth and do not require prior exposure to the pathogen. Adaptive defenses are the second line of defense acquired after exposure to the pathogen and involve specific recognition and memory.
  • Some examples of innate defenses against Anaerococcus vaginalis are:
  • Innate defenses against Anaerococcus vaginalis:
  • Physical barriers: Skin, mucous membranes, and vaginal pH prevent entry and overgrowth.
  • Chemical barriers: Saliva, tears, sweat, gastric acid, bile, urine, and defensins inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Cellular barriers: Macrophages, neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, and mast cells recognize and destroy bacteria.
  • Inflammatory response: Triggered by pattern recognition receptors, it recruits immune cells, produces substances to kill bacteria, and activates the complement system.
  • Adaptive defenses against Anaerococcus vaginalis:
  • Humoral immunity: Antibodies, mainly IgA, neutralize, opsonize, or trigger mast cell degranulation.
  • Cellular immunity: T cells (Th and Tc) recognize bacterial antigens, with Th cells producing cytokines to activate other immune cells and Tc cells killing infected cells.
  • The clinical manifestations of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection are not well defined. Still, it is generally considered one of the causative agents of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is characterized by a change in the vaginal microbiota away from Lactobacillus species and towards more varied bacterial species, particularly facultative anaerobes. Most women of reproductive age experience BV as a vaginal disease, affecting up to 29% worldwide. BV can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, itching, burning, and irritation, but it can also be asymptomatic in some cases. BV can have profound health implications, such as a higher possibility of contracting STIs like HIV, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometritis, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
  • Anaerococcus vaginalis can also be involved in other types of infections, such as ovarian abscesses, chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, urinary tract infections, pleural empyema, blood infections, and soft tissue infections. However, these infections are usually polymicrobial, involving multiple bacterial species that act synergistically to cause disease. Anaerococcus vaginalis can also play a role in axillary odor production by degrading sweat components into volatile compounds.
  • Diagnosing Anaerococcus vaginalis can be challenging due to its presence in normal vaginal flora.
  • Methods include:
  • Clinical Criteria: Diagnosis may involve Amsel’s criteria, which include signs like abnormal discharge, high vaginal pH, a positive whiff test, and clue cells on microscopic examination.
  • Nugent Scoring System: The Nugent scoring system uses a Gram stain to assess the balance of different bacteria in vaginal fluid, categorizing it as usual, intermediate, or indicative of bacterial vaginosis.
  • Molecular Methods: Techniques like PCR, FISH, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing can detect and identify Anaerococcus vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria by analyzing their genetic material in vaginal samples.
  • The prevention of Anaerococcus vaginalis infection is not well established, as this bacterium is often a typical component of the vaginal flora and might be present in asymptomatic women. However, some general measures that may help to reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that is associated with Anaerococcus vaginalis and other anaerobic bacteria, are:
  • Stop smoking. Smoking may alter the vaginal pH and increase the susceptibility to BV.
  • Avoid douching. Douching may disrupt the normal vaginal microbiota and cause irritation or inflammation.
  • Only use water to clean your vagina. Do not use perfumed talcs, deodorants, soaps, or other products that may irritate the vaginal mucosa or alter the vaginal pH.
  • Use barrier contraception, such as condoms, during any sex. It may prevent transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduce the exposure to semen, which may increase the vaginal pH.
  • Seek medical attention if you have symptoms of BV, such as a gray-white or yellow vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, itching, or burning. BV can be identified by clinical indicators or laboratory tests and treated with antibiotics.
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – symptoms, treatment and prevention | healthdirect
  • anaerobic vaginosis – General Practice notebook (gpnotebook.com)

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