[The isolation and identification of Mobiluncus curtisii and Mobiluncus mulieris in genital specimens]

Amongst 1.202 genital samples studied, the microscopic exam revealed in 179 (14.8%) cases flora compatible with bacterial vaginitis. Of these 179 samples, Mobiluncus SP was observed in 35 (19.6%) using Gram staining and in 18 (10.1%) this microorganism was isolated in agar RLK and anaerobic atmosphere. Using biochemical characterization M. curtisii species was found more frequently (15 isolations) than M. mulieris (3 isolations). Chromatographic characterization permitted the diagnosis of the genus but not the differentiation of the species. Out of the 35 cases of Mobiluncus observed microscopically, 11 (31.4%) were afterwards isolated while in 7 occasions Mobiluncus growth was obtained without having been previously visualized using Gram staining. The percentage of Mobiluncus observed was different according to the species since 2 of the 3 M. mulieris while only 9 out of the 15 M. mulieris were visualized.