bacterial vaginosis [Gk, bakterion, small staff; L, vagina, sheath; Gk, osis, condition] , a chronic inflammation of the vagina caused by bacterial imbalance (e.g., an overgrowth of the normal bacterial flora of the vagina). Vaginal flora commonly includes lactobacilli, streptococci, Gardnerellavaginalis, strains of Enterobacteriaceae, and anaerobes. Also called vulvovaginitis.
