Samples were analyzed by culture, broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR, and bacterial species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) for DNA from Lactobacillus and a panel of BV-associated bacteria.  Among non-laboring women, broad-range 16S qPCR detected bacteria in the chorioamnion and the choriodecidua (4/10; 40%).  Among laboring women, Lactobacillus species were frequently detected in the chorioamnion by qPCR (4/13; 31%).  In one case, mild chorioamnionitis was associated with qPCR detection of similar microbes in the chorioamnion and vagina (e.g. Leptotrichia/Sneathia, Megasphaera), along a quantitative gradient.



PCR
Samples were analyzed by culture, broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR, and bacterial species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) for DNA from Lactobacillus and a panel of BV-associated bacteria.  Among non-laboring women, broad-range 16S qPCR detected bacteria in the chorioamnion and the choriodecidua (4/10; 40%).  Among laboring women, Lactobacillus species were frequently detected in the chorioamnion by qPCR (4/13; 31%).  In one case, mild chorioamnionitis was associated with qPCR detection of similar microbes in the chorioamnion and vagina (e.g. Leptotrichia/Sneathia, Megasphaera), along a quantitative gradient.



qPCR