Method for isolation of gardnerella vaginalis (Haemophilus vaginalis). Characterization of isolates by gas chromatography

• Published in: Acta pathologica, microbiologica et immunologica Scandinavica. Section B. Microbiology Vol. 90; no. 2; p. 89
• Main Authors: Csángó, P A, Hagen, N, Jagars, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark 01.09.1982
• Subjects: Chromatography, Gas; Culture Media; Fatty Acids - analysis; Gardnerella vaginalis - analysis; Gardnerella vaginalis - isolation & purification; Haemophilus - analysis; Methods; Oleic Acids - analysis; Palmitic Acids - analysis; Stearic Acids - analysis
• ISSN: 0108-0180
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1699-0463.1982.tb00087.x

A method for the isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis (Haemophilus vaginalis) is presented. Bacteria isolated from 48-hour cultures grown on human blood agar were identified by means of beta-hemolysis, colony morphology, sensitivity to antimicrobial agents, oxydase and catalase reactions. Thirty-eight clinical isolates and one test strain were examined for fatty acid composition. Hexadecanoic (16:0), octadecenoic (18:1) and octadecanoic (18:0) were the major fatty acids. Also present, but in minor quantities, were myristic (14:0), hexadecenoic (16:1) and octadecadienoic (18:2) acids. Only insignificant differences between isolates could be detected. No hydroxy fatty acids commonly found in gram-negative bacteria were encountered. Gas chromatographic analysis of G. vaginalis revealed a characteristic and relatively simple pattern. The results support the use of the isolation method, which provides conditions highly selective for G. vaginalis.