title: The identification of Gardnerella vaginalis.
abstract: A collection of 72 strains of catalase-negative gram-positive, -negative and -variable cocco-bacilli isolated from samples of vaginal discharge from women with non-specific vaginal infection was examined in an attempt to develop an identification system for Gardnerella vaginalis that could be used in a diagnostic laboratory. Carbohydrate fermentation tests were found to be poorly reproducible and of little differentiating value. Enzyme tests were found similarly unhelpful, as were many antibiotic-susceptibility and chemical-inhibition tests. However, seven tests--susceptibility to trimethoprim and two concentrations of metronidazole, growth in the presence of 2% (w/v) sodium chloride and on nutrient agar, lactic acid production from glucose and beta-haemolysis on human-blood agar--were used successfully in this study to separate G. vaginalis from catalase-negative coryneforms and lactobacilli. Of these tests, susceptibility to trimethoprim and metronidazole together with beta-haemolysis on human blood agar are the most likely to provide a rapid, accurate identification. A possible identification scheme is outlined.
mesh_terms: D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D005260:Female; D005285:Fermentation; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D006190:Haemophilus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000494:pharmacology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D014295:Trimethoprim / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D007773:Lactates; D008795:Metronidazole; D014295:Trimethoprim