Megasphaera Type 2: The Second Megasphaera Linked to BV
Megasphaera type 2 is a second Megasphaera species associated with bacterial vaginosis, alongside the better-known Megasphaera type 1. Like its relative, it cannot be grown in a normal laboratory and is found only through molecular testing.
What is Megasphaera type 2?
Megasphaera type 2 is an anaerobic bacterium and the second of the two Megasphaera types associated with bacterial vaginosis, the other being Megasphaera type 1.
It is part of the BV community detected only at the molecular level. Like Megasphaera type 1 and BVAB2, it was identified through DNA-based research, cannot be grown in standard cultures, and is found by PCR. It adds to the molecular picture of a microbiome that has shifted into bacterial vaginosis.
Megasphaera type 2 is generally detected less often than type 1, and the two are distinguished only by their genetic sequence. Including both on a panel gives a fuller view of the Megasphaera contribution to BV than testing for type 1 alone.
Why Megasphaera type 2 is included
Testing for the second Megasphaera species rounds out the molecular view of the BV community, alongside its more common relative.
Molecular detection only
Like type 1, it cannot be cultured, so PCR is the only practical way to detect it.
Part of the BV community
Its presence adds to the molecular picture of a microbiome that has shifted towards BV.
A fuller view
Including both Megasphaera types gives a more complete read than testing for type 1 alone.
What a Megasphaera type 2 result means
Detected alongside reduced Lactobacillus and other BV organisms, Megasphaera type 2 adds to the evidence that the microbiome has shifted into bacterial vaginosis. As one of several markers, it is most meaningful read as part of the whole panel.
The panel is greater than any one organism. A PCR microbiome test measures both Megasphaera types alongside BVAB2, Gardnerella, your Lactobacillus and the rest, so you get a complete molecular read on the state of your flora rather than a single data point.
The BV Microbiome Test
R1,609 17-target PCR panelEpicentre's BV Microbiome Test is a 17-target PCR panel that detects Megasphaera alongside BVAB2, Gardnerella, your protective Lactobacillus and the other BV-associated organisms. No doctor's referral, and you collect the sample yourself in private.
- Protective Lactobacillus levels, including Megasphaera type 2, so you can see whether your defences are intact.
- BV-associated bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae, the organisms that take over when Lactobacillus falls.
- Group B Streptococcus, which matters in pregnancy.
- You collect the swab yourself, in private, at a branch or at home, with guidance if you want it.
Molecular BV testing in South Africa
Bacterial vaginosis affects roughly a quarter of reproductive-age women worldwide, and in South Africa it is also linked to higher HIV risk. Organisms like Megasphaera type 2 are only detectable with molecular testing, so affordable PCR testing without a referral gives a more complete answer than older methods.
Find out why it returns
If BV keeps coming back after treatment, a panel shows which organisms are still present, which helps explain the pattern.
Name the cause
Discharge or odour that will not settle is worth identifying precisely rather than treating blind.
No referral, three cities
Walk in at Observatory in Cape Town, Hillcrest in Durban or Parktown North in Johannesburg, or test at home anywhere in South Africa.
Testing for both Megasphaera types is about completeness. Type 2 turns up less often, but when you are trying to understand a microbiome properly, you want the full molecular picture, not a partial one.
What testing can and cannot tell you
A microbiome test maps which organisms are present and in what balance; it is not a diagnosis on its own.
- The result describes your vaginal flora at one point in time, which can shift with your cycle, sex, antibiotics and hormones.
- It does not replace a clinical assessment. Use it to inform a conversation with a healthcare practitioner.
- If you have severe pain, fever, or symptoms in pregnancy, seek medical care rather than waiting for a result.
- PCR results take 5 to 7 working days.
Megasphaera type 2: quick answers
Vaginal microbiome testing in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg
The BV Microbiome Test is available at all three Epicentre walk-in labs: Observatory in Cape Town, Hillcrest in Durban and Parktown North in Johannesburg. Walk in, or book online first. You collect the swab yourself, in private.
Other organisms in the panel
Sources
- Fredricks DN et al. Molecular identification of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis. N Engl J Med. 2005.
- Malaguti N et al. Sensitive detection of thirteen BV-associated agents using multiplex PCR. BioMed Res Int (PMC). 2015.
- Coleman JS, Gaydos CA. Molecular diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis: an update. J Clin Microbiol. 2018.
- Shipitsyna E et al. Composition of the vaginal microbiota: sensitive and specific molecular diagnosis of BV. PMC. 2013.
Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director at Epicentre Walk-In Labs. Reviewed 9 June 2026. This article is general health information, not a medical diagnosis. Epicentre Aids Risk Management (Pty) Ltd provides diagnostic laboratory testing and does not provide diagnoses, treatment or prescriptions to the public; results are intended to inform discussions with a registered healthcare practitioner.
Get the complete molecular picture
The BV Microbiome Test detects both Megasphaera types and your full vaginal flora from one self-collected swab. Walk in at Observatory, Hillcrest or Parktown North, or order a discreet home kit.
