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

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 shortterm 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.