A species-specific PCR for Lactobacillus iners demonstrates a relative specificity of this species for vaginal colonization

Abstract

The prevalence of Lactobacillus iners is currently difficult to determine since it cannot be propagated on conventional Lactobacillus-selective media. Based on comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences a simple L. iners-specific PCR method was developed and then applied to screen vaginal, fecal, and saliva samples for this species. Twenty-one (53%) of 40 vaginal specimens were positive, whereas fecal (n=9) and saliva (n=16) samples were PCR-negative for L. iners. These findings support previous molecular and culture-based ecology studies that have indicated L. iners may be relatively more prevalent in the microflora of the human vagina than that of the oral or gastrointestinal cavities. © 2008 Informa UK Ltd.