Microscopic and Molecular Genetic Methods in the Detection of Bacterial Vaginosis

Every obstetrician or microbiologist encounters bacterial vaginosis (BV) in his/her practice. 50% of the cases are asymptomatic. The percentage of affected women varies. The aim of this study is interpretation of microscopic and molecular diagnostic techniques for diagnosing fastidious microorganisms associated with BV. 234 women were tested. Vaginal secretions were collected, after medical history and detailed gynecological status were completed. Smears were prepared and stained by Gram. Identification of fastidious Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera sp. type 1, and BV associated bacterium type 2 (BVAB2) was performed by PCR. 112 of the 234 tested women had microscopic evidence of some vaginal problem. 65 of them, had anaerobic infection found on the basis of the microscopic data. Materials from women suspected for anaerobic infection were subjected to PCR for proving of specific anaerobes. In 63 patients G. vaginalis was found, in 27– A. vaginae, in 18 - Megasphaera sp. type 1, and in 15 - BVAB2. The detected anaerobe in 25 swabs was single. Combination of several pathogens was demonstrated in 40 women. Gram stain is a fast, easily performed, and specific method for diagnosing BV. Methodology limitation is the inability to distinguish visually the different microorganisms involved in the condition. The PCR method provides possibilities for the sensitive, highly specific, and rapid identification of bacteria-specific markers for BV. Accurate determination of microorganisms involved in this syndrome provides possibilities for an adequate and complete treatment of the women affected.