Use of DNA hybridization to detect vaginal pathogens associated with bacterial vaginosis among asymptomatic pregnant women

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether microbial DNA hybridization is a useful method to study bacterial vaginosis in asymptomatic pregnant women. Study design Vaginal specimens were collected at Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, Bacteroides ureolyticus, and Mobiluncus curtisii . Results were analyzed using McNemar's paired test and chi-square test for trend, with significance set at P Results By Gram stain, 60 (26.1%) of 230 were positive for bacterial vaginosis, and 134 (58.3%) were negative. By DNA hybridization, 99 (43%) were positive for at least 1 pathogen, and DNA results were significantly associated with Gram-stain results ( P 1 pathogen detected by DNA hybridization increased significantly ( P Conclusion DNA hybridization may be a useful method to study shifts in vaginal flora during pregnancy.