bartholinitis /bär′təlinī″tis/ [Caspar T. Bartholin, Danish anatomist, 1655–1738; Gk, itis] , an inflammatory condition of one or both Bartholin’s glands, caused by bacterial infection. Usually the causative microorganism is a species of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Escherichia coli, or a strain of gonococcus. The condition is characterized by swelling of one or both glands, pain, and development of an abscess in the infected gland. A fistula may develop from the gland to the vagina, anus, or perineum. Treatment includes local application of heat, often by soaking in hot water; antibiotics; or, if necessary, incision of the gland and drainage of the purulent material or excision of the entire gland and its duct.
