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The vaginal microbial flora in non-specific vaginitis

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Abstract

The facultative and strictly anaerobic vaginal microbial flora was investigated in 40 women with non-specific vaginitis and in 40 control women seen in private gynaecological practice.Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobic gram-negative bacilli, anaerobic gram-negative and gram-positive cocci were all associated with non-specific vaginitis (p<0.001), whereas lactobacilli occurred less frequently in non-specific vaginitis than in controls (p<0.01). The most common anaerobes wereVeillonella parvula, Bacteroides bivius, Bacteroides assaccharolyticus, Bacteroides capillosus andPeptococcus asaccharolyticus. Anaerobic gram-negative curved rods were found in 11% of cases of non-specific vaginitis. A characteristic pattern of short chain organic acids was found on gas liquid chromatographic analysis of vaginal secretions in non-specific vaginitis. A succinate/lactate peak ratio of 0.3 or more was found in 75% of women with non-specific vaginitis (p<0.001). Clue cells, a Positive amine test, a pH higher than 5.0, and the absence of lactobacilli on a Gram stained vaginal smear strongly correlated with non-specific vaginitis (p<0.001).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000, Antwerpen, Belgium

    P. Piot & E. Van Dyck

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, O.L. Vrouw Middelares, Deurne, Belgium

    P. Godts

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

    J. Vanderheyden

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  1. P. Piot
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  2. E. Van Dyck
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  3. P. Godts
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  4. J. Vanderheyden
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Piot, P., Van Dyck, E., Godts, P. et al. The vaginal microbial flora in non-specific vaginitis. Eur. J, Clin. Microbiol. 1, 301–306 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02019976

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