Primary isolation of curved rods from women with vaginal discharge

The occurrence of motile anaerobic curved rods in vaginal discharge was studied in 94 samples from women attending an STD clinic. Almost all wet smear preparations of discharge contained motile rods. Anaerobic curved rods were isolated from 46% of the samples. Of 28 specimens studied by culture and immunofluorescence, 21 were confirmed to harbour motile anaerobic curved rods. Culture was performed with a dilution and sampling technique that is too time-consuming for diagnostic routines, but it enhanced the precision of information on motile anaerobic curved rods in vaginal secretion. More selective and rapid methods for identification of these bacteria are desirable.