title: Gardnerella vaginalis comprises three distinct genotypes of which only two produce sialidase.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sialidase and the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis have been proposed as biomarkers for bacterial vaginosis. Sialidase has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. We genotyped G vaginalis isolates, assessed the presence and diversity of sialidase-encoding genes, and determined the production of sialidase.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred thirty-four G vaginalis isolates were genotyped by random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (RAPD) and a selection of 29 isolates with amplified ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid restriction analysis (ARDRA). A G vaginalis sialidase quantitative polymerase chain reaction was developed, and the sialidase production was assessed with the filter spot test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three G vaginalis genotypes could be distinguished by both RAPD and ARDRA. Only 2 genotypes encoded and produced sialidase.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Three genotypes exist among G vaginalis isolates, and there is a clear link between genotype and sialidase production. A possible link between sialidase production and (symptomatic) bacterial vaginosis and biofilm production can be hypothesized.
authors: Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Laboratory for Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.
authors: Guido Lopes dos Santos
authors: GL
authors: Santiago
authors: Pieter
authors: P
authors: Deschaght
authors: Nabil
authors: N
authors: El Aila
authors: Teresa N
authors: TN
authors: Kiama
authors: Hans
authors: H
authors: Verstraelen
authors: Kimberly K
authors: KK
authors: Jefferson
authors: Marleen
authors: M
authors: Temmerman
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Vaneechoutte
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000235:genetics*; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D009439:Neuraminidase