Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Efficacy of Lactobacillus live capsules in combination with metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Shuai Lou^1,2, Hongqing Lv^1,2, Lin Zhang^1,2

¹Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China; ²Jinhua Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinhua, China.

For correspondence:- Lin Zhang Email: zljhzxyy@163.com

Accepted: 6 May 2024 Published: 29 May 2024

Citation: Lou S, Lv H, Zhang L. Efficacy of Lactobacillus live capsules in combination with metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Trop J Pharm Res 2024; 23(5):887-892 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v23i5.11

© 2024 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of metronidazole in combination with Lactobacillus live capsules for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Methods: A retrospective study of 100 BV patients was conducted between June 2020 and February 2022 at Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China. Patients were assigned to control (48 patients received metronidazole only) and study groups (52 patients received metronidazole and Lactobacillus live capsules). Short-term efficacy, changes in vaginal flora distribution, recurrence rates, and occurrence of adverse effects were investigated.

Results: The study group showed significantly higher overall efficacy compared to control group (p < 0.05). After treatment, vaginal flora analysis revealed a more balanced microbiota in the study group, indicating a positive effect of combined therapy. However, recurrence rates at one and three months after treatment did not significantly differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). Both treatment regimens were generally well-tolerated, with only a single report of mild adverse reactions in the study group.

Conclusions: The combined therapy of metronidazole and Lactobacillus live capsules enhances short-term therapeutic effectiveness and promotes a healthier vaginal microbiota. Although, the combined therapy does not significantly impact recurrence rates, it demonstrates a favorable safety profile. The lack of attention to non-bacterial constituents of the vaginal flora and potential long-term adverse effects of Lactobacillus live capsules represent an area for future study.

Keywords: Bacterial vaginosis, Metronidazole, Lactobacillus, Combination therapy, Therapeutic efficacy