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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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