Detection of Gardnerella vaginalis in the vagina and amniotic fluid using the polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Gardnerella aginalis is generally considered a member of the endogenous vaginal flora. It has been isolated in 26]45% of healthy pregnant w x women 1,2 . However, the presence of G. aginalis in the vagina during the second trimester has been associated with an increased risk of preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of w x membranes 3 . G. aginalis is one of the most common microorganisms isolated from the amniotic fluid of patients in preterm labor with intact w x membranes or intra-amniotic infection 4 . Although amniotic fluid traditionally has been considered sterile in pregnant women who are not in labor with intact membranes, recent studies have shown that microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity has occurred in asymptomatic women during the mid-trimester of pregnancy. Microbiological culture with selective media is