Studies on the mechanism of adhesion of Gardnerella vaginalis to human erythrocytes.

: A quantitative method using radiolabelled bacteria was used to examine the adherence of Gardnerella vaginalis to human erythrocytes. Adherence was mannose resistant, but inhibited by D-galactose and D-galactosamine. It was independent of temperature, but reduced at pH 3. There was considerable variation in the adherence of different isolates of G. vaginalis to human erythrocytes.