Culture-independent analysis of vaginal microflora: The unrecognized association of Atopobium vaginae with bacterial vaginosis.

Although the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis remains elusive, a few microorganisms, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, are considered markers on Gram stain or culture. Culture-independent analysis of vaginal microflora using 16S rDNA cloning and sequencing of total bacterial communities reveals the gram-positive Atopobium vaginae as a predominant species in disturbed vaginal flora