Which organism is most closely associated with bacterial vaginosis among the listed organisms?

• A. Eikenella
• B. Capnocytophaga
• C. Gardnerella
• D. Listeria

Answer: (C)

Bacterial vaginosis is a shift in vaginal flora from Lactobacillus-dominated to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, and Gardnerella vaginalis is the organism most consistently linked to this condition. It tends to adhere to vaginal epithelial cells and form a biofilm, helping sustain the dysbiotic environment. Clinically, BV is suggested by clues such as a fishy odor and characteristic microscopy findings, and Gardnerella is the hallmark organism detected in those scenarios. The other organisms listed are typically associated with different contexts—oral flora or foodborne infection—so they do not have the same strong link to BV.