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Improved cure of bacterial vaginosis with single dose of tinidazole (2 g), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

  • 2009-02
  • Canadian Journal of Microbiology 55(2)
    • R. C. Martinez
    • S. Franceschini
    • M. C. Patta
    • S. Quintana
    • B. C. Gomes
    • E. D. De Martinis
    • G. Reid

Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal infection worldwide and is characterized by depletion of the indigenous lactobacilli. Antimicrobial therapy is often ineffective. We hypothesized that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 might provide an adjunct to antimicrobial treatment and improve cure rates. Sixty-four Brazilian women diagnosed with BV were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of tinidazole (2 g) supplemented with either 2 placebo capsules or 2 capsules containing L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 every morning for the following 4 weeks. At the end of treatment (day 28), the probiotic group had a significantly higher cure rate of BV (87.5%) than the placebo group (50.0%) (p = 0.001). In addition, according to the Gram-stain Nugent score, more women were assessed with "normal" vaginal microbiota in the probiotic group (75.0% vs. 34.4% in the placebo group; p = 0.011). This study shows that probiotic lactobacilli can provide benefits to women being treated with antibiotics for an infectious condition.

Research Insights

SupplementHealth OutcomeEffect TypeEffect Size
Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14Increased Cure Rate of Bacterial VaginosisBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14Normalized Vaginal MicrobiotaBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1Increased Cure Rate of Bacterial VaginosisBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1Normalized Vaginal MicrobiotaBeneficial
Moderate
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