The Effect of Supplementation of Standard Antibiotic Therapy with Oral Probiotics for Bacterial Vaginosis

ABSTRACT

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a common cause of vaginal infection worldwide in women of child bearing age. It can be asymptomatic or mild infection but can lead to many complications especially during pregnancy. Recurrence is also frequently seen in women suffering from bacterial vaginosis. This infection usually occurs when normal lactobacillus flora in vagina is disrupted and replaced by pathogens. Administration of probiotics will restore normal vaginal flora and maintain normal pH and it could prove to be a reliable alternative to antibiotics in future. Objective: To assess the effect of supplementation of standard antibiotic therapy with oral probiotics (Lactobacillus) for treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Material Methods: It was an open labeled prospective study in which 100 women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis were randomly divided into two groups. Diagnosis was made using Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring was done. Group A was given Oral Metronidazole, 400 mg BD for 7 days along with oral probiotic tablet containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus BD for 6 weeks whereas Group B was administered Oral Metronidazole, 400 mg BD for 7 days. Patients were assessed at 7 days for symptomatic improvement and again at the end of 6 weeks using Nugent scores. Results obtained were then compared. Results: Out of all patients 2 patients in Group A and 5 patients in Group B could not complete the study. At the end of 7 days, there was improvement in symptoms ie decrease in itching, odour and discharge. There was a significant difference in mean Nugent score before and after treatment between group A and group B at the end of 6 weeks. Conclusion: This study concluded that improvement in patients taking probiotics along with standard antibiotic therapy was significantly more as compared to antibiotics alone.