Opportunistic aerobic bacteria

Enterococcus faecalis
Whilst enterococcus faecalis tends to be harmless in the gut, it can be problematic in the vagina 
and bladder, causing inflammation, Aerobic Vaginitis (AV), and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). E. faecalis is very resilient, and needs to be treated if causing infections in the vaginal and vulval tissues. E. faecalis can negatively impact fertility in both men and women, and has been linked to persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer.

Enterococcus faecium
Enterococcus faecium is a bacteria that can colonise the vagina and is associated with Aerobic Vaginitis (AV). It is harmless in the gut, but requires treatment in the vagina, given it can increase one’s risk of urinary tract infections, and inflammatory Aerobic Vaginitis (AV), with symptoms such as pain, itching, burning, discharge and redness.

Escherichia coli
E.coli is a common and well known uropathogen, causing most of the Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) reported in women. It is harmless in the gut, but can translocate to the vaginal canal, and contribute to Aerobic Vaginitis (AV) alongside other aerobic microbes. E.coli requires treatment.

Klebsiella pneumoniae
Klebsiella is another uropathogen, capable of causing urinary tract infections. Klebsialla is generally harmless in the gut, but if is found in the vagina, we recommend action to eliminate this. Klebsiella is responsible for Aerobic Vaginitis (AV) infections, possibly alongside other bacteria in this category.

Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus in the vagina can cause a number of health issues including inflammatory Aerobic Vaginitis (AV), vaginal boils, and toxic shock syndrome. It may be harmless at low levels, 
but if its causing symptoms and present at high levels we recommend treatment.

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B strep)
Group B strep (streptococcus agalactiae) is mostly harmless, and is commonly found in the vagina and rectum. It can cause a rare but serious disease called invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
in newborns and adults. The NHS does not routinely check this in pregnancy. If its found to be present, antibiotics are administered at birth to reduce the risk of invasive disease for the newborn.

Streptococcus anginosus
Streptococcus anginosus is part of the human bacteria flora, but in some cases can cause infections. It is a common pathogen in women in Aerobic Vaginitis (AV).

To go back to the Opportunistic Aerobic Bacteria on a Species Level click here.