What is gardnerella? 

Gardnerella vaginalis (gardnerella) is an anaerobic gram-positive rod bacterium that can cause bacterial vaginosis in some women. For the majority of women it it part of the normal vaginal microflora. 

 

How is it spread? 

Gardnerella vaginalis can be transmitted via sexual contact with an infected person, but can also be found in women who are not sexually active. 

 

Prevalence 

Gardnerella can be found in approximately 10-40% of adults. 

 

Symptoms 

Gardnerella presence is associated with bacterial vaginosis, which can cause vaginal discharge odor. 

 

Complications and diseases 

Problems may occur when there is an intense multiplication of bacteria, especially in the female genital tract, which disrupts the normal bacterial balance in the vagina. This situation can cause bacterial vaginosis. 

Bacterial vaginosis in most cases does not lead to complications, but it can cause some problems. 

If it is not detected and treated, the infected person becomes less resistant to other sexually transmitted pathogens (herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea ...) and can more easily be infected with HIV or pass it on to a sexual partner. 

If the infection is present in pregnant women, the result can be a premature birth and the birth of babies with lower birth weight. Also, the bacteria can settle in the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can damage them and cause problems with subsequent pregnancies (eg ectopic pregnancy). 

 

Diagnosis 

Gardnerella vaginalis can be detected by visual observation of native preparation under the microscope. 

In our lab we diagnose the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis using the PCR method, which directly detects the DNA of bacteria. This method is highly sensitive (detects even the smallest concentration of bacteria). 

 

DNA testing 

Our laboratory detects the presence of pathogens by PCR only. 

The result of the test is obtained within one business day. 

 

Samples for analysis 

In women, the test can be performed using a normal cervical or vaginal swab (no media) which should be left in the air for about 5 minutes to dry. The sample can be sent by mail, and is suitable for testing for a few months after being taken. 

In men, the test can be done from a sample of urethral swabs, sperm or the first morning urine. 

 

Prices 

These prices do not include taking swabs (cervical, vaginal, urethral) - these are taken only by doctors/gynecologists at extra cost.  

Gardnerella 7.500Gardnerella + additional pathogens (chlamydia, ureaplasma, and / or mycoplasma) 

Surcharge par additional pathogen 500Surcharge for the analysis of urine samples (men only) 1.000 

HPV + Gardnerella 11.000 

Prices for all tests in the field of human health and payment instructions can be found here.