The bacteriological interpretation of vaginal smears

Abstract

1. The genus Corynebacterium is common in the vagina. In direct smears forms with exaggerated curvature and staining Gram-negatively may easily be mistaken for vibrios.2. Attention is drawn to the not infrequent presence of Gram-negative cocci in direct vaginal smears. From these cases Diplococcus crassus, a commensal member of the genus Neisseria, has been isolated. These cocci could be mistaken for gonococci.3. An unusual organism seen in two direct smears from the vagina is described, and the suggestion is made that it may be Streptobacillus moniliformis.