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VOLUME 7 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2019 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Oral Fixed-dose Combination of Probiotics in Bacterial Vaginosis

Arif A Faruqui, Deepti Chitra

Keywords : Bacterial vaginosis, Lactobacillus, Microbiota restoration, Probiotic

Citation Information : Faruqui AA, Chitra D. Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Oral Fixed-dose Combination of Probiotics in Bacterial Vaginosis. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2019; 7 (2):62-65.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10032-1185

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-12-2019

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the vaginal-specific lactobacilli strain in management of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Materials and methods: A nonrandomized, open-labeled, noncomparative, multicentric study was conducted in a total of 58 female patients suffering from BV. Each patient was administered a combination of four strains of lactobacilli. Vaginal pH, discharge, odor, itching, and painful urination were performed at baseline, week 2, and week 4 as assessment parameters. Results: At the end of the study, data were extractable in only 56 females (mean age was 34.57 ± 11 years). Associated BV symptoms like vaginal discharge, odor, and painful urination reduced significantly at week 4 as compared to baseline. The most frequently encountered symptoms were vaginal discharge, vaginal pH, odor, and itching. With a shift in pH < 4.5, at the end of week 4 all females showed improvement in the vaginal microbiota. Tolerability of fixed-dose combination was found to be good and none of the subjects discontinued the treatment. Conclusion: Probiotic combination of vaginal-specific probiotic strains was found to be effective and safe for use in females who suffer from BV. Clinical significance: Lactobacilli have been found in very low numbers in women suffering from BV. After supplementing probiotic, mere fall in pH < 4.5 indicates probable colonization of the vagina with a specific strain of lactobacilli has helped in production of lactic acid and restoration of the vaginal microflora.


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