Effectiveness of Lactobacillus therapy in women with cervical human papillomavirus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

2025-08
The Journal of international medical research 53(8)

PubMed: 40762255
DOI: 10.1177/03000605251363006

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 326
Population: women with cervical human papillomavirus infection; in patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions/atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cervical lesions
Methods: A literature search was conducted in October 2024 using PubMed, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials investigating Lactobacillus therapy for human papillomavirus infection. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. A subgroup analysis was performed based on the method of administration (oral vs. vaginal).

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Lactobacillus in women with cervical human papillomavirus infection. Specifically, it aimed to assess the impact of Lactobacillus therapy on human papillomavirus clearance and cervical lesion resolution in clinical settings.MethodsA literature search was conducted in October 2024 using PubMed, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials investigating Lactobacillus therapy for human papillomavirus infection. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the risk of bias 2.0 and ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions) tools. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic. A subgroup analysis was performed based on the method of administration (oral vs. vaginal).ResultsFive studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among 326 participants assessed for lesion resolution, Lactobacillus therapy showed a statistically significant improvement (relative risk = 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.47-2.53, p < 0.00001; I² = 0%). Similarly, among the 262 participants assessed for viral clearance, the treatment showed a statistically significant effect (relative risk = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.94, p = 0.05; I² = 33%).ConclusionIn patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions/atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cervical lesions, Lactobacillus therapy administered over a minimum duration of 6 months may serve as an adjuvant treatment for human papillomavirus infection.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14	—	Improved Cervical HPV Clearance	Beneficial	Small	View source Lactobacillus therapy showed a statistically significant effect (relative risk = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.94, p = 0.05; I2 = 33%).
Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14	—	Improved Cervical Lesion Resolution	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Lactobacillus therapy showed a statistically significant improvement (relative risk = 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.47-2.53, p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%).