Organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis in Nigerian women as determined by PCR-DGGE and 16S rRNA Gene Sequence

ABSTRACT

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition with diverse etiology.This condition predisposes women to increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases; including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and preterm birth. The diagnostic methods currently adopted in the evaluation of patient samples for BV are arguably Amsel criteria; and Nugent score that require microscopy and expert interpretation.These two methods are still subjective. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the organisms present in the vagina of 34 HIV negative Nigerian women diagnosed as having bacterial vaginosis by using molecular techniques. Methods:The vaginal samples were subjected to DNA extraction; and amplified with eubacterial primers via PCR.The PCR products were separated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Bands were excised; re-amplified; purified and sequenced. Sequence identification was performed using the BLAST algorithm and Genbank data base. Results: Mycoplasma hominis (12/34; 35) was the most common isolate and 9 (26) contained one of two clones of an unusual Rainbow Trout intestinal bacterium; while unculturable Streptococcus sp; and other bacteria made up the remaining isolates. Con-clusionsThe findings indicate further diversity in the etiological agents associated with BV; and raise the question as to whether diagnosis and management of this condition needs to be re-evaluated in countries like Nigeria.There is some controversy over the clinical importance of BV; as it was once regarded as a disease caused by Gardnerella and presenting as an odourous discharge condition; but is now diagnosed without necessarily the presence of these organisms or signs. With the incidence of BV aligned to an increased risk of HIV in a country ravaged by this virus; the effective eradication of BV can only be achieved if appropriate therapies are delivered