Effectiveness of vaginal administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus following conventional metronidazole therapy: how to lower the rate of bacterial vaginosis recurrences
Marcone, V.; Calzolari, E.; Bertini, M.
New Microbiologica 31(3): 429-433
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1121-7138 PMID: 18843900 Document Number: 615686
Eighty-four patients with bacterial vaginosis diagnosed according to Amsel's criteria were randomized to receive either oral metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for seven days, or one vaginal tablet containing freeze-dried Lactobacillus rhamnosus once a week at bedtime for two months starting one week after the last antibiotic administration. Followup was performed at days 30, 90 and 180. Chi-squared analysis showed a significant difference between the two treatment groups at day 90 (P = 0.05). Safe and effective long-term vaginal administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus appears to be a useful complementary approach in the management of bacterial vaginosis.