Vaginal flora morphotypic profiles and assessment of bacterial vaginosis in women at risk for HIV infection.
Specific morphotypic profiles of normal and abnormal vaginal flora, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), were characterized. A prospective study of 350 women yielded concurrent Gram-stain data and clinical assessment (n = 3455 visits). Microbiological profiles were constructed by Gram stain. Eight profile definitions were based on dichotomizing the levels of Lactobacillus, Gardnerella, and curved, Gram-negative bacillus (Mobiluncus) morphotypes. Of these, two were rare, and the other six demonstrated a graded association with the clinical components of BV. The proposed profiles from the Gram stain reflect the morphotypic categories describing vaginal flora that may enable clearer elucidation of gynecologic and obstetric outcomes in various populations.
Tohill
Beth C
BC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease and Public Health Prevention, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. btohill@cdc.gov
Heilig
Charles M
CM
Klein
Robert S
RS
Rompalo
Anne
A
Cu-Uvin
Susan
S
Brown
William
W
Duerr
Ann
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology