Vaginal flora

Vaginal swabs are collected from asymptomatic pregnant women at gestational week 24 and 36 from fornix posterior of the vagina.

Vaginal samples are characterized by conventional culture on selective and non-selective media within 24 hours after collection. The remaining part of the sample is stored at -80º C for future analysis. All bacteria identifications are confirmed biochemically by automated identification system VITEK 2 (Bio Mérieux, France).