内蒙古牧区育龄期健康及细菌性阴道病妇女阴道乳杆菌种的鉴定与分析

目的 对内蒙古牧区育龄期健康妇女及细菌性阴道病(BV)患者的阴道乳杆菌种进行鉴定与分析,为阴道微生态治疗提供依据.方法 2008年6至12月,选取内蒙古自治区3个牧区旗县(正镶白旗、达尔罕茂明安联合旗、百灵庙镇)育龄期蒙古族健康妇女203例、汉族健康妇女74例,蒙古族BV妇女102例,采用改良乳杆菌培养基(MRS)对阴道侧壁分泌物中乳杆菌进行分离、培养,提取细菌总DNA,进行核糖体脱氧核糖核酸(16S rDNA)基因序列鉴定,并采用四甲基联苯胺-辣根过氧化物酶-乳杆菌培养基(TMB-HRP-MRS)对乳杆菌进行产H2O2分析.结果 (1)检出率:203例蒙古族健康妇女乳杆菌检出率为76.8%(156/203),蒙古族BV妇女乳杆菌检出率为21.6%(22/102),两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);汉族健康妇女乳杆菌检出率为82.4%(61/74),与蒙古族健康妇女比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).(2)阴道乳杆菌鉴定:蒙古族健康妇女阴道分泌物中共检出193株乳杆菌株,共11种,蒙古族BV妇女阴道分泌物中检出22株乳杆菌株,共4种.(3)H2O2阳性乳杆菌的鉴定:对分离出乳杆菌的74例蒙古族健康妇女及22例蒙古族BV妇女进行阴道乳杆菌H2O2实验,其中蒙古族健康妇女阴道H2O2阳性乳杆菌的检出率为75.7%(56/74),蒙古族BV妇女阴道H2O2阳性乳杆菌的检出率为27.3%(6/22),两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 内蒙古牧区育龄期健康妇女阴道乳杆菌检出率与种族无明显相关性;BV妇女的阴道乳杆菌及H2O2阳性乳杆菌检出率均较健康妇女明显降低.

Abstract：

Objective To identify and analyze the species of vaginal lactobacilli between patients with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and healthy women at childbearing age in Inner Mongolia. Methods From Jun. 2008 to Dec. 2008, 203 Mongolian healthy women, 74 Han healthy women and 102 Mongolian patients with BV from 3 pastoral areas were enrolled in this study. Isolation and culture of lactobacilli from vaginal wall were performed by modified culture medium. DNA of lactobacilli were extracted and sequenced. H2O2 were detected by TMB-HRP-MRS. Results(1)The rate of lactobacilli identification were 76.8%(156/203) in Mongolian healthy women and 21.6% (22/102) in Mongolian patients with BV, which reached statistical difference(P＜0.01).Lactobacilli identification in Han healthy women [82.4%(61/74)] did not show significant difference with that of Mongolian healthy women (P＞0.05). (2) The total of 193 strains and 11 species of Lactobacillus were detected in 203 Mongolian healthy women. Meanwhile,22 strains and 4 species of Lactobacillus were found in 102 Mongolian BV cases.(3)The rate of H2O2 generating Lactobacilli was 27.3% (6/22) in Mongolian BV patients and 75.7% (56/74)in Mongolian healthy women, which showed statistical difference(P＜0.05). Conclusions The rate of Lactobacillus was not related with the race of women in pastoral area in Inner Mongolian. The amount of lactobacilli and H2O2 generating Lactobacilli in the vagina of BV patients was remarkably lower than those of healthy women at childbearing age.     

A study of the prevalence of hydrogen peroxide generating Lactobacilli in bacterial vaginosis: the determination of H2O2 concentrations generated, in vitro , by isolated strains and the levels found in vaginal secretions of women with and without infection.

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the vaginal secretions of normal women were compared with levels found in women infected with bacterial vaginosis (BV). The mean concentration found in 90 normal samples was 0.171 microg per ml, whereas in women with BV, the mean level was 0.04 microg per ml (P < 0.001). In vitro culture experiments using TMB agar showed that in normal women, 75% of Lactobacillus strains produced H2O2 and 25% did not, whereas in women 'infected' with BV. 14% of the isolates produced H2O2 and 86% did not (P < 0.001). Quantitative culture tests showed that both anaerobic and facultative strains of Lactobacilli isolated from normal women generated significantly higher levels of H2O2 than strains cultured from women with BV. Anaerobic strains isolated from normal women produced a mean level of 6.8 microg per ml, compared with the mean level of 1.4 microg per ml from women with BV. Facultative strains from normal women produced mean levels of 18.3 microg per ml compared with 2.4 microg per ml produced by strains from BV-infected women, which had been incubated under the same conditions (P < 0.001). There results indicate that Lactobacilli which produce H2O2 probably have a significant role in protecting the vaginal ecosystem from BV infection.     

细菌性阴道病患者与健康妇女阴道乳杆菌生态学特征的比较

目的:观察健康妇女与细菌性阴道病患者阴道内乳杆菌属内各种乳杆菌在阴道中分布的差异。方法:利用微生态学研究方法,调查45例健康妇女和40例细菌性阴道病患者阴道乳杆菌的分布,鉴定阴道内乳杆菌,比较阴道乳杆菌产生过氧化氢的能力。结果:健康妇女阴道内乳杆菌检出率和平均活菌数量对数值明显高于细菌性阴道病患者(P<0.01),健康妇女阴道内优势乳杆菌是嗜酸乳杆菌(35%,7·68±1.41)、德氏乳杆菌(7·5%,8.06±0.83)和乳酸乳杆菌(7·5%,8.07±1·51),其大多数产生H2O2能力较强;健康妇女阴道内产H2O2乳杆菌的分离率明显高于细菌性阴道病患者(P<0.01)。结论:H2O2阳性的乳杆菌是健康妇女阴道乳杆菌的重要成员,在防治细菌性阴道病发生中起重要作用。     

妊娠期细菌性阴道病的治疗

目的调查妊娠期细菌性阴道病(BV)的发病情况，观察乳酸菌活菌胶囊制剂治疗细菌性阴道病的疗效。方法对不同孕周的612名孕妇进行BV筛查，确定妊娠期细菌性阴道病的发病率。取BV患者100例，乳酸菌活菌胶囊制剂治疗50例，甲硝唑治疗50例，用药10d，停药1周后复查。结果妊娠期。BV的检出率为17．6％(108／612)。乳酸菌活菌胶囊制剂治疗BV有效率86．0％，甲硝唑治疗BV有效率88．0％，二者差异无显著性(P=0．766)。结论妊娠期BV有较高的发病率，乳酸菌活菌胶囊制剂是治疗BV的安全有效药物，疗效肯定。     

细菌性阴道病发病机制及诊治进展

细菌性阴道病（bacterial vaginosis,BV）是育龄妇女常见阴道感染性疾病．可引起多种并发症。BV是多种致病菌作用的结果,阴道内动弯杆菌、普雷沃菌、类杆菌等厌氧菌及加德纳菌、人型支原体大量繁殖,产过氧化氢的乳杆菌减少。诊断标准包括：常用Amsel标准、实验室采用的Nugent革兰染色法及BV快速诊断酶盒和BVBlue检测法等。BV治疗主要有抗厌氧菌药物甲硝唑、克林霉素。复发性BV指BV在1年内反复发作3次或以上,其高复发率是治疗的难点。     

Parallel detection of lactobacillus and bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterial DNA in the chorioamnion and vagina of pregnant women at term

Background: The majority of early preterm births are associated with intrauterine infections, which are thought to occur when microbes traffic into the uterus from the lower genital tract and seed the placenta. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with heterogeneous bacterial communities in the vagina and is linked to preterm birth. The extent to which trafficking into the uterus of normal and BV-associated vaginal bacteria occurs is unknown. The study objective was to characterize in parallel the distribution and quantities of bacteria in the vagina, uterus, and placental compartments.

Methods: Pregnant women at term (≥37 weeks) presenting for delivery were recruited prospectively. Swabs were collected in parallel from the vagina, chorioamnion. Choriodecidual swabs were collected if a cesarean section was performed. Samples were analyzed by culture, broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR, and bacterial species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) for DNA from Lactobacillus and a panel of BV-associated bacteria. Results were correlated with placental histopathology.

Results: Of the 23 women enrolled, 15 were delivered by cesarean section (N?=?10 without labor; N?=?5 in labor) and eight were delivered vaginally. BV was diagnosed in two women not in labor. Placental histopathology identified chorioamnionitis or funisitis in six cases [1/10 (10%) not in labor; 5/13 (38%) in labor]. Among non-laboring women, broad-range 16S qPCR detected bacteria in the chorioamnion and the choriodecidua (4/10; 40%). Among laboring women, Lactobacillus species were frequently detected in the chorioamnion by qPCR (4/13; 31%). In one case, mild chorioamnionitis was associated with qPCR detection of similar microbes in the chorioamnion and vagina (e.g. Leptotrichia/Sneathia, Megasphaera), along a quantitative gradient.

Conclusions: Microbial trafficking of lactobacilli and fastidious bacteria into the chorioamniotic membranes and choriodecidua occurs at term in normal pregnancies. In one case, we demonstrated a quantitative gradient between multiple bacterial species in the lower genital tract and placenta. Not all bacterial colonization is associated with placental inflammation and clinical sequelae. Further studies of the role of placental colonization with Lactobacillus in normal pregnancy and fastidious bacteria in chorioamnionitis may improve prevention and treatment approaches for preterm labor.     

产后妇女阴道菌群状况及其影响因素分析

目的 探讨产后6～8周妇女的阴道菌群状况及其相关的影响因素.方法 选取2007年6-10月7家医院产后6～8周来院复查的560例产后妇女作为研究对象,对其进行相关因素的问卷调查,并行阴道分泌物涂片的Nugent评分及阴道菌群检查.结果 (1)阴道分泌物涂片Nugent评分结果及菌群比率:Nugent评分结果为菌群正常的产后妇女有48例(8.6%,48/560),评分结果为菌群临界的产后妇女有337例(60.2%,337/560),评分结果为细菌性阴道病(BV)的产后妇女有175例(31.2%,175/560).560例产后妇女中有74例阴道内检出乳杆菌(13.2%,74/560);560例产后妇女中有322例检出加德纳菌和类杆菌(57.5%,322/560),有214例检出染色不定弯曲小杆菌(38.2%,214/560).(2)分娩方式及会阴侧切对产后妇女阴道菌群状况的影响:①阴道分娩266例,其中Nugent评分结果为阴道菌群正常25例(9.4%,25/266),菌群临界为148例(55.6%,148/266),诊断BV 93例(35.0%,93/266).②剖宫产分娩294例,其中Nugent评分结果阴道菌群正常23例(7.8%,23/294),菌群临界189例(64.3%,189/294),诊断BV 82例(27.9%,82/294).阴道分娩与剖宫产分娩者的BV发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.204).③会阴侧切233例,其中阴道菌群正常22例(9.4%,22/233),菌群临界状态135例(57.9%,135/233),诊断BV 76例(32.6%,76/233).④无会阴侧切327例,其中Nugent评分结果阴道菌群正常26例(8.O%,26/327),菌群临界202例(61.8%,202/327),诊断BV 99例(30.3%,99/327).有会阴侧切与无会阴侧切者的BV发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.790).(3)孕期阴道炎症及孕期性生活对阴道菌群状况的影响:①孕期有阴道炎症46例,其中Nugent评分结果阴道菌群正常5例(10.9%,5/46),菌群临界26例(56.5%,26/46),诊断BV 15例(32.6%,15/46).②无阴道炎症514例,其中Nugent评分结果阴道菌群正常43例(8.4%,43/514),菌群临界311例(60.5%,311/514),诊断BY 160例(31.1%,160/514).有阴道炎症与无阴道炎症者的BV发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.962).③孕期无性生活的284例中诊断BV 78例(27.5%,78/284);偶尔有性牛活的270例中诊断BV 96例(35.6%,96/270);经常有性生活的6例中诊断BV 1例(1/6).3者分别比较,差异均无统计学意义(P=0.185).(4)喂养方式对阴道菌群状况的影响:母乳喂养的216例中诊断BV 67例(31.0%,67/216);人工喂养的89例中诊断BV 35例(39.3%,35/89);混合喂养的255例中诊断BV 73例(28.6%,73/255),3者分别比较,差异无统计学意义(P:0.573).结论 产后妇女阴道乳杆菌明显减少,菌群比率明显失调.阴道分娩、会阴侧切、阴道炎症、孕期性生活及喂养方式对产后妇女的BV发病无显著影响.产后妇女的BV发生率较高.     

Clinical and laboratory findings in women with bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis versus controls

We report comprehensively on the clinical and laboratory findings in 30 women with bacterial vaginosis (BV), 30 with vaginal trichomoniasis and 30 with normal secretions. Women with trichomoniasis were more often divorced (chi 2 test, p much less than 0.001), more often complained of dyspareunia (chi 2 test, p less than 0.05), frequently had discharge present in the vaginal vestibule, and showed one or more signs of vaginitis in half the cases. A 'moth-eaten' cervix was seen in only four women (13%) with trichomoniasis, but can be considered pathognomonic of the condition. While the main characteristics of vaginal secretions, i.e. amount, consistency, colour, absence or presence of gas and odour, are only poorly discriminative between BV and trichomoniasis, they can be of much help in distinguishing between 'abnormal' and--probably--normal secretions. Parabasal cells were found in the wet mount of 19 women (73%) with trichomoniasis. Epithelial cell clusters were a prominent finding in controls but were virtually absent in the other two groups. We detected curved rods in 15 women (50%) with BV, but in none of the women with trichomoniasis or normal secretions. There were only minor differences in the results of bacterial cultures in cases of BV and trichomoniasis. Bacteroides and Peptostreptococcus species were the predominant anaerobes in both groups. Gardnerella vaginalis was significantly more often isolated from women with BV than from controls (chi 2 test for trend, p less than 0.001). Gas-liquid chromatography showed the presence of succinate in only two cases of BV. Lactate was found in all controls but one. Ethylation of vaginal samples probably reduces the risk of over-emphasizing the presence of succinate and lactate. It is concluded that BV and trichomoniasis are both characterized by the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and that there is a considerable overlap in clinical and laboratory findings. Microscopy of the wet mount should be considered the most powerful diagnostic tool.     

健康妇女和外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病患者阴道乳杆菌对阴道假丝酵母菌抑制作用的实验研究

目的:探讨正常健康和外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病(VVC)妇女阴道分泌物中分离的乳杆菌对假丝酵母菌生长的抑制。方法:健康正常(正常组)和VVC初发(VVC组)妇女各30名,通过定量采集阴道分泌物培养乳杆菌,观察阴道乳杆菌数量及菌种分布情况,并将获得的乳杆菌及VVC患者阴道分泌物中假丝酵母菌分离纯化及鉴定后,采用牛津杯法观察乳杆菌对假丝酵母菌生长的抑制作用,同时比较VVC组和正常组乳杆菌产H2O2能力的差异。结果:①乳杆菌检出率及菌种分布组间无统计学差异(P>0.05);②VVC组阴道乳杆菌数量的平均对数值与正常组相比显著减少(P<0.01);③阴道内乳杆菌BV试剂盒检测为阴性者,正常组显著高于VVC组(P<0.01);④正常组阴道分离的乳杆菌与VVC组比较,对白色和热带假丝酵母菌的生长抑制有统计学差异(P<0.05),对克柔假丝酵母菌的抑制无统计学差异(P>0.05);正常组分离的嗜酸乳杆菌与VVC组的比较,对白色和热带假丝酵母菌的生长抑制均有统计学差异(P<0.01,P<0.05),对克柔假丝酵母菌的生长抑制无统计学差异(P>0.05);但是正常组和VVC组分离的詹氏乳杆菌对上述3种假丝酵母菌的生长抑制均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:①正常妇女与VVC患者阴道内乳杆菌检出率、菌种分布相似,均以嗜酸、詹氏乳杆菌为优势菌种;②VVC患者阴道乳杆菌的数量显著减少;③VVC组产生H2O2的能力下降,可能与VVC发生相关;④正常状态下阴道乳杆菌对假丝酵母菌抑制作用优于VVC感染状态,其中以嗜酸乳杆菌的抑菌作用最为明显。     

Could bacterial vaginosis be due to the competitive suppression of lactobacilli by aerobic microorganisms?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by lack of lactobacilli and predominance of anaerobic species. Ciprofloxacin is active against a great number of aerobic bacteria. The effect of ciprofloxacin on the vaginal microbial flora was studied both in healthy subjects and in patients with BV in order to test if BV may be due to competitive suppression of lactobacilli by aerobic species. About half of the patients were relieved of their symptoms. No adverse effects on the microbial profile or colonization by lactobacilli were produced by the drug. Lactobacilli known to be able to produce hydrogen peroxide were found to be significantly more common in healthy women than in women with BV. The species most frequently related to vaginal health were Lactobacillus jensenii and Lactobacillus rogosae.     

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.     

Racial differences in cervical cytokine concentrations between pregnant women with and without bacterial vaginosis

We have examined the association between cervical cytokine, chemokine and growth factor concentrations with bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant white and black women. A nested case-control analysis was performed to examine 28 cervical cytokine, chemokine and growth factor concentrations in 83 white women (55 with normal flora and 28 with BV) and 81 black women (39 with normal flora and 42 with BV). White women with BV had significantly lower IP10 (P=0.001) and MCP1 (P=0.006) concentrations compared to women with normal flora. Black women with BV had higher IL-1alpha (P<0.001) concentrations than those with normal flora. In women with normal flora, whites had significantly higher levels of IL-1alpha (P=0.047), IL-6 (P=0.010), IL-10 (P=0.016) and PDGF-BB (P=0.010) than blacks. There were no significant concentration differences between white and black women with BV. These results demonstrate significant differences in cytokine and chemokine concentrations between women with and without BV. Ethnic differences in cytokine concentrations were also observed in women with normal flora, indicating that white and black women with normal flora have different cytokine levels, but respond to BV in a similar manner.     

Influence of hormonal replacement therapy on bacterial vaginosis in the group of peri- and postmenopausal women

The aim of the study was to evaluate microbiological biocenosis of the menopausal or postmenopausal women, and women having local hormonal therapy (Ovestin and Ortho-Gynest D). The study group consisted of 123 women (aged 45-72), who underwent clinical examination and microbiological evaluation of vaginal discharge. Miller's and Gramm's methods were used for slide staining and the culture method for growing microorganisms. Classical culture media were used as well as Rogosa culture medium and modified Weinstein medium for Lactobacillus culture in anaerobic conditions. In the microbiological studies before initiation of hormonal therapy, normal biocenosis of the vagina was found in 52 women (42.27%). The other part of the study group had abnormal vaginal biocenosis or had no microorganisms at all. During the hormonal therapy, the group of women with normal biocenosis increased to 53.65% and 62.29% after respectively 3 and 9 months of therapy. Hormonal therapy secured continuity of normal Lactobacillus morphotypes within perimenopausal period. Antimicrobial and hormonal therapies used together provided normalization of vaginal biocenosis in a shorter time. In the group of senile women, the recolonization of vaginal mucosa by Lactobacillus vaginalis was observed.     

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 to prevent or cure bacterial vaginosis among women with HIV

Objective

To assess, among women with HIV, whether long-term oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 supplementation can prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and enhance the cure rate of metronidazole among those with BV.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted among 65 HIV-infected women with an aberrant microbiota (Nugent score 4-10) who were randomized to receive daily probiotics or placebo for 6 months. Those with BV (Nugent score 7-10) additionally received metronidazole for 10 days (400 mg twice daily).

Results

We did not find an enhanced cure rate of BV among women with HIV treated with adjuvant probiotics to metronidazole treatment. Among women with an intermediate vaginal flora, probiotics tended to increase the probability of a normal vaginal flora (odds ratio 2.4; P = 0.1) and significantly increased the probability of a beneficial vaginal pH (odds ratio 3.8; P = 0.02) at follow-up.

Conclusion

Supplementation of probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 did not enhance the cure of BV among women living with HIV, but may prevent the condition among this population. Trial registration: NCT00536848.     

Hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli in women with vaginal infections

OBJECTIVE: Hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli are isolated from the vaginas of a majority of healthy reproductive age women. Their toxic and inhibitory effect against the overgrowth of pathogens in the vagina is documented by in vitro studies. Clinical studies concerning the role of hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli in vaginal infections are controversial. STUDY DESIGN: The aim of this study was to isolate lactobacilli from women with major vaginal infections: bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomoniasis (TV), and from women with normal flora (NF), to test their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide, to quantitate lactobacilli and to evaluate factors related to the colonization of vagina with hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli. The study group comprised 108 women: 27 with VVC, 26 with BV, 20 with TV and 35 with NF. Data was analysed with Fisher exact test, chi2-test, and ANOVA. RESULTS: Lactobacilli were isolated from 81.5% of women with VVC, 58% of women with BV (p=0019), 55% of women with TV (p=0.015) and from 86% of women with NF. The majority of isolates of lactobacilli from women with VVC, TV and NF produced hydrogen peroxide (77%, 63.5% and 80%, respectively), compared with women with BV where only 26.5% of isolates produced hydrogen peroxide (p=0.01). Quantitative analysis showed that in an overwhelming majority of women colonized with lactobacilli, their count was >10(7) CFU/ml. Upon evaluation of behavioural and demographic characteristics, we found that smokers had a lower incidence of isolation of hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli (p=0.018). Our results showed that women with BV lack lactobacilli, especially hydrogen peroxide producing ones. Women with TV had a lower rate of lactobacilli. In women with VVC, there was neither significant difference in the isolation of lactobacilli, nor in their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide, compared to women with NF. CONCLUSION: Our results point out that hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli could protect against the development of BV, but not against VVC and TV.     

Evaluation of specific symptoms of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women

Objective: Identification of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnancy might be rational in order to identify a possible BV-associated group at risk of preterm delivery.Methods: Three hundred and five women early in the third trimester of pregnancy were interviewed about lifestyle factors and specific symptoms of BV and given a vaginal examination. A longitudinal three-week follow-up was conducted for 127 women.Results: The prevalence of BV was 16%. Women with BV were significantly more often smokers than women without BV (52% vs. 34%). No difference in sexual activity or other behavioral characteristics between the two groups were seen. No differences were noted among women with and without BV according to specific symptoms: malodorous discharge (26% vs. 23%), increased discharge (76% vs. 68%), or itching or troublesome discharge. More than one third of women with BV at the first examination did not fulfill the criteria for BV at the three week follow-up exam. None of the women without BV had developed BV by the follow-up exam. The incidence of preterm delivery among women with BV was 4%, women without BV had an incidence of 2.4%. This difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Asymptomatic BV in pregnancy is common. Specific questions about the character of the discharge do not identify women with BV during pregnancy. To identify a potential BV-associated group at risk for preterm delivery, screening for BV must be conducted not only among symptomatic women but among all women. Women with BV are more often smokers than women without BV.     

Bacterial vaginosis: prevalence and predictive value for premature delivery and neonatal infection in women with preterm labour and intact membranes

OBJECTIVES: Assess the predictive values of bacterial vaginosis (BV) for preterm delivery (PD) and neonatal infection and compare them with standard markers of infection among women with preterm labour (PL). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blinded study in a tertiary referral centre in Paris. Women hospitalised for PL with intact membranes at a term between 24 and 34 weeks were included. Vaginal fluid, collected at inclusion was Gram-stained, scored, and interpreted according to Nugent's criteria. RESULTS: Out of 354 women tested, 254 had normal flora (72.3%), 76 intermediate (21.7%) and 24 BV (6.8%). A history of spontaneous miscarriage after 14 weeks was the only risk factor significantly associated with BV. BV was not significantly associated with PD<35 weeks or neonatal infection. Very preterm delivery (before 33 weeks) was significantly associated with the flora grade (P=0.02): women with normal, intermediate and abnormal flora, respectively had 27 (10.6%), 14 (18.4%) and 6 (25.0%) births before 33 weeks. Of the markers tested, the highest risk of very preterm delivery was associated with BV (odds ratio 2.95, 95% CI (1.1-0.8.1)) and CRP>20mg/dl (4.23 95% CI (1.8-9.7)). Predictive value of BV for preterm birth before 33 weeks were: sensitivity 12.8%, specificity 95.0%, positive predictive value 35.3%, and negative predictive value 84.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of BV and its association with PD are probably very variable and must be interpreted differently from one population to another. While we found an association between BV results and delivery before 33 weeks, the predictive value of BV was disappointing. Although these findings reinforce the importance of a useful marker of subclinical infection, the usefulness of testing for BV in women with PL has not been demonstrated.     

Racial differences in cervical cytokine concentrations between pregnant women with and without bacterial vaginosis

We have examined the association between cervical cytokine, chemokine and growth factor concentrations with bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant white and black women. A nested case–control analysis was performed to examine 28 cervical cytokine, chemokine and growth factor concentrations in 83 white women (55 with normal flora and 28 with BV) and 81 black women (39 with normal flora and 42 with BV). White women with BV had significantly lower IP10 (P = 0.001) and MCP1 (P = 0.006) concentrations compared to women with normal flora. Black women with BV had higher IL-1α (P < 0.001) concentrations than those with normal flora. In women with normal flora, whites had significantly higher levels of IL-1α (P = 0.047), IL-6 (P = 0.010), IL-10 (P = 0.016) and PDGF-BB (P = 0.010) than blacks. There were no significant concentration differences between white and black women with BV. These results demonstrate significant differences in cytokine and chemokine concentrations between women with and without BV. Ethnic differences in cytokine concentrations were also observed in women with normal flora, indicating that white and black women with normal flora have different cytokine levels, but respond to BV in a similar manner.