The identification of Gardnerella vaginalis

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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 to develop an identification system for G. vaginalis that could be used in a diagnostic laboratory. Carbohydrate fermentation tests were poorly reproducible and of little differentiating value. Enzyme tests were unhelpful, as were many antibiotic-susceptibility and chemical-inhibition tests. Seven tests (susceptibility to trimethoprim and 2 concentrations of metronidazole, growth in the presence of 2% (wt/vol) NaCl and on nutrient agar, lactic acid production from glucose and .beta.-hemolysis on human blood agar) were used successfully to separate G. vaginalis from catalase-negative coryneforms and lactobacilli. Of these tests, susceptibility to trimethoprim and metronidazole, together with .beta.-hemolysis on human-blood agar are most likely to provide a rapid accurate identification. A possible identification scheme is outlined.