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The presence of these bacteria on an
otherwise normal Pap smear is of no consequence.
If the Pap shows
inflammation sufficient to obscure the reading and the cytologist
asks for an earlier-than-normal repeat Pap, many physicians will treat
the patient with a broad-spectrum antibiotic suitable for strep and
anaerobic bacteria (Flagyl, Amoxicillin, etc.) before repeating the
smear. Others will simply repeat the smear at a somewhat earlier than
normal time.
If the Pap is otherwise normal, but the
patient complains of symptoms of vaginal discharge, bad odor or
irritation, the presence of coccoid bacteria on the Pap smear is
sometimes used as the basis for treatment using broad-spectrum
antibiotics effective against strep and anaerobes.
In the absence of symptoms or other
abnormality on the Pap, the presence of coccoid bacteria is not
considered clinically significant and needs no treatment.
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