Underlying causes of recurrent bacterial vaginosis identified by Australian scientists

The study identified two distinct pathways to recurring BV: persistence of the condition despite a weeklong course of antibiotics and re-infection. Photograph: alvarez/Getty Images

Australian scientists have identified two contributors to recurrent bacterial vaginosis infections, a common sexual health condition that affects about one in four women globally.

The condition, commonly called BV, is characterised by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, in which there is a reduction of “good” bacteria and an overgrowth of other mixed bacteria.