Detection of Gardnerella vaginalis in vaginal specimens by direct immunofluorescence

The preparation of a fluorescein-labeled Gardnerella vaginalis polyclonal antibody is described, and its usefulness is assessed for the detection of this microorganism in vaginal samples obtained from 263 women attending the gynecological department of a general hospital, 66 of whom harbored an intrauterine device. The direct immunofluorescence technique was positive for G. vaginalis in 21% of the specimens, whereas only 12.5% of the total bacteriological cultures were positive. The frequency was higher in patients harboring intrauterine devices since 34.8% exhibited positive immunofluorescence and 30.3% exhibited positive cultures.