Therapy Of Bacterial Vaginosis Research Articles

Medical-Grade Honey as a Potential New Therapy for Bacterial Vaginosis.

The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among women of reproductive age is 29%. BV arises from a vaginal imbalance marked by reduced levels of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and an overgrowth of pathogenic anaerobes. The multifactorial nature of BV's pathogenesis complicates its treatment. Current antibiotic therapy exhibits a recurrence rate of about 60% within a year. Recurrence can be caused by antibiotic treatment failure (e.g., due to antimicrobial resistance), the persistence of residual infections (e.g., due to biofilm formation), and re-infection. Because of the high recurrence rates, alternative therapies are required. Medical-grade honey (MGH), known for its antimicrobial and wound healing properties in wound care, emerges as a potential novel therapy for BV. MGH exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, employing multiple mechanisms to eliminate the risk of resistance. For example, the low pH of MGH and the production of hydrogen peroxide benefit the microbiota and helps restore the natural vaginal balance. This is supported by in vitro studies demonstrating that MGH has an antibacterial effect on several pathogenic bacteria involved in the pathophysiology of BV, while lactobacilli and the vaginal microenvironment can be positively affected. In contrast to antibiotics, MGH exerts anti-biofilm activity, affects the microbiome as pre- and probiotic, and modulates the vaginal microenvironment through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, physicochemical, and immunomodulatory properties. More clinical research is required to confirm the positive effect of MGH on BV and to investigate the long-term cure rate.

The effect of interleukin-10 gene polymorphism in the formation of deep disorders of vaginal microbiocenosis in bacterial vaginosis

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that causes significant gynecological and obstetric morbidity. Despite modern methods and treatment regimens, BV therapy remains a difficult task due to high rates of relapses, which amount to 60% within a year after treatment. This problem, in part, can be solved by assessing the individual genetic characteristics of the organism associated with the presence of allelic variants of the immune system genes that determine the constitutional possibility of a high or low level of synthesis of the corresponding immunocompetent molecules (cytokines, pattern-recognition receptors, etc.). The aim of the study: To determine the significance of the polymorphism -1082 G/A (rs1800896) of the gene IL-10 in the formation of various molecular biological profiles of vaginal microbiocenosis in bacterial vaginosis. Materials and methods: 195 women of reproductive age were examined, including 100 patients with bacterial vaginosis and 95 conditionally healthy women with vaginal normocenosis. The state of vaginal microbiocenosis was assessed by microscopic and molecular biological methods. The polymorphism -1082 G/A (rs1800896) of the IL-10 gene was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and detection of amplification products on an electrophoresis gel. Results: Genotype G/G was more common in women with the prevalence of obligate-anaerobic microorganisms in the microbiocenosis (21.2%, p=0.046), genotype G/A – in women with severe mixed dysbiosis (61.3%, p=0.023). In women with a predominance of facultative anaerobes Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae in the microbiocenosis, there was no significant difference in the distribution of genotypes (p>0.05). Conclusion: The carriage of allelic variants -1082G (rs1800896) of the gene IL-10 is associated with deeper disorders of vaginal microbiocenosis, which suggests their use as markers that increase the effectiveness of the diagnosis of recurrent forms of bacterial vaginosis.

Рецидивуючий бактеріальний вагіноз: варіативний підхід з урахуванням можливих патогенетичних аспектів

Purpose - to evaluate the effectiveness, duration of the clinical result, safety and tolerability of the complex treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) with the sequential use of an antibacterial agent and probiotic suppositories. Materials and methods. 91 women of reproductive age with a symptomatic course and a diagnosis of recurrent BV participated in the study. Primary decontamination of the vaginal tract was performed by all subjects and consisted of a 10-day intravaginal administration of the drug Terzhinan. Subsequently, the participants were randomized into three comparable groups. After primary remediation, no additional medication was prescribed to patients in the Group 1 (n=30). Subjects of the Groups 2 (n=30) and 3 (n=31) were recommended daily administration of vaginal probiotic suppositories Bifolak for a 10-day course, followed by prolongation of their use twice a week for 2 months in the Group 3. The effectiveness of BV therapy was evaluated immediately after antibacterial treatment and after a 6-month follow-up period based on the results of clinical examination, microscopic analysis of smears, and determination of vaginal pH with litmus strips. Results. At the end of the 10-day course of vaginal sanitation, subjective and objective signs of bacterial infection were not detected among all study participants, the pH of the vaginal secretion was within physiological limits and did not differ statistically between the Groups. At the stage of the sixth month of observation, data from a gynecological examination, smear microscopy and pH-metry confirmed 4 recurrences of the disease in the Group 1. In the Group 2, whose women additionally received a ten-day course of probiotic therapy, the number of episodes of repeated development of the disease was significantly lower, and amounted to 1 case for the entire observation period. Patients of the Group 3 did not notice manifestations of reinfection during the study and had no objective signs of BV. The use of a probiotic for a continuous course of 10 days in the Group 2, as well as its prolongation in a maintenance regimen (twice a week for 2 months) in the Group 3, was combined with a stable normalization of the acidity of the vaginal secretion, which was evidenced by the preservation of optimal pH until the end of the observation period (4.07±0.14 and 3.94±0.17, respectively, in the Groups 2 and 3 against 4.43±0.14 in the Group 1, p<0.05). The complete absence of repeated cases of BV and the lower pH values (p>0,05) in the Group 3 allowed us to consider the greater anti-relapse effectiveness of the long-term use of the probiotic at the trend level. Conclusions. Traditional schemes for the use of antibacterial agents in the treatment of BV allow to achieve a clinical and laboratory effect at the end of the course, but do not ensure its complete preservation for a long period of time. The disadvantage of the etiotropic approach to the treatment of BV is the lack of attention to the competitive properties of the indigenous flora as a factor in countering dysbiosis. Taking into account the pathogenetic essence of BV, which consists in the violation of the growth balance between conditionally pathogenic microorganisms and its own flora, classical antibacterial schemes can be successfully supplemented by the external introduction of eubiotic strains. Our study showed the benefits of complex therapy with an antibacterial agent and a probiotic, which consisted in stabilizing the acidity of the vaginal space and reducing the rate of disease recurrence, with a tendency to increase the effect in parallel with the duration of treatment. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Vitamin D supplementation in bacterial vaginosis

Research objectives: to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation (Olidetrim) in the complex anti-relapse therapy of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women of reproductive age.Materials and methods. The study included 63 women of reproductive age with BV and with a level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below 75 nmol/l, who were divided into groups: the main group included 32 women who were prescribed standard therapy (metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for 7 days) and cholecalciferol (Olidetrim) 4000 IU/day with subsequent continuation of its intake in a dose 2000 IU/day for up to 6 months; the comparison group included 31 women, who were not intake vitamin D preparation during the standard therapy and during the next 6 months of observation.After treatment, women provided completed questionnaires and self-collected vaginal swabs 1, 3, and 6 months after beginning of the study or before BV relapse. Evaluation of Gram-stained smears was carried out by microscopy according to Hay/Ison criteria, where BV corresponded to type III. The level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blood serum was determined by the chemiluminescent immunoassay method before the start of thestudy and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up.The primary endpoint was BV recurrence at any post-treatment interval; the patients were offered a second treatment in this case.Results. Vitamin D deficiency at the beginning of the study was detected in 12 (37.5%) patients of the main group and in 13 (41.94%) women of the comparison group, an insufficient level – in 20 (62.5%) patients of the main group and in 58.06% women of the comparison group.Patients complained of pathological vaginal discharge, itching, burning and dyspareunia lasting from 1 week to 2 months. At the seven-day course of basic BV therapy all participants noted the normalization of discharge and the absence of vaginal discomfort. Positive dynamics were also observed according to the gynecological examination.One month after the treatment, 4 (12.5%) participants of the main and 6 (19.36%) women of the comparison group noted the recovery of symptoms. Absence of BV recurrence after 3 months was noted by 25 (78.12%) women of the main group and 16 (51.61%) women of the comparison group (p = 0.054), that was confirmed by the laboratory tests. At the same time, the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the main group increased by 43.37% (p = 0.05), and in the comparison group it did not differ from the initial level. There were no complaints in 24 (75.0%) patients after 6 months, however, a laboratory-confirmed normal state of the vaginal microbiome was observed in 22 (70.96%) participants of the main group and in 14 (45.16%, p = 0.07) women of the comparison group. Continuation of vitamin D intake at a dose of 2000 IU/day for the next 3 months demonstrated maintenance of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D level within normal values (81.7 ± 6.23 nmol/l in the main group vs. 38.51 ± 5.43 nmol/l in comparison group, p = 0.05).Conclusions. A decrease in the frequency of BV recurrences in women during support a normal level of vitamin D was found, which allows recommending the inclusion of cholecalciferol supplementation (Olidetrim) in the standard treatment. In patients with recurrent BV a long-term monitoring of the serum level of vitamin D is advisable in order to timely prescribe supplementation.

The problem of recurrent bacterial vaginosis: modern strategies

Objective: to evaluate the clinical tolerability, effectiveness and stability of the therapeutic result when using different regimens for the treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women of reproductive age.Materials and methods. 105 women of reproductive age with diagnosed recurrent symptomatic BV participated in the study. The participants were randomized into three comparable groups of 35 women each. A ten-day primary decontamination of the vaginal tract was carried out in all groups: intravaginal administration of the drug Tergynan for group 1 and Femiril suppositories in groups 2 and 3. After the initial treatment patients of group 3 received the vaginal probiotic suppositories Alactel Femi for 15 days, after that they used it twice a week No. 10.The effectiveness of BV therapy was evaluated immediately after the antibacterial course and after a 6-month follow-up period based on the results of clinical examination and determination of vaginal pH.Results. Subjective and objective signs of bacterial infection were not detected in all participants after the course of vaginal decontamination. The pH of vaginal secretion was within the normal range and did not differ statistically between the groups. After 6 month, according to the results of a gynecological examination and pH test, one recurrence of BV was confirmed in group 1 and 2. The patients of group 3 had no complaints about manifestations of reinfection, which, in combination with the data of pH-metry, allowed confirming the absence of BV recurrences in them. Additional use of a probiotic in a complex with lactic acid in group 3 was associated with a stable normalization of the acid-alkaline balance of the vaginal secretion: 4.43 ± 0.12 and 4.39 ± 0.14 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, against 4.02 ± 0 ,12 in the 3rd group (p < 0.05).Conclusions. Obtained results indicate a more stable anti-relapse effectiveness and safety of the local use of Femiril, followed by the restoration of the physiological parameters of the vaginal biotope with a complex of probiotics and lactic acid in the Alactel femi. The effectiveness of this approach consists in combining the antibacterial effect of phytoextracts with the successive restoration of vaginal immunity and metabolism through persistent colonization of the mucous membrane with living lactobacilli of eubiotic origin.

The Role of Probiotics in Preventing Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Literature Review

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are the most common vaginal infections that cause vaginal discharge in women. An imbalance of the normal vaginal microbiota can make it easier for the vagina to become infected with bacteria and fungi. The recurrence rate for both diseases is 40–60%. Therefore, alternative therapies are needed to prevent the recurrence of these two diseases. Probiotics are believed to be able to maintain a normal microbiota balance in the vagina. This study aims to determine the role of probiotics in BV and VVC therapy, to prevent recurrence of these two diseases. A literature search was performed on two databases namely PubMed and Science Direct, using several keyword combinations to obtain relevant results. There were 12 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There are six studies explaining the role of probiotics in BV and VVC, respectively. The use of probiotics intravaginally or orally can significantly reduce the recurrence rate of these two diseases, restore normal vaginal conditions in BV as well as improve clinical symptoms in VVC. The combination of antibiotics and probiotics can increase the effectiveness of the therapy.

Cysteine dependence of Lactobacillus iners is a potential therapeutic target for vaginal microbiota modulation.

Vaginal microbiota composition affects many facets of reproductive health. Lactobacillus iners-dominated microbial communities are associated with poorer outcomes, including higher risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), compared with vaginal microbiota rich in L. crispatus. Unfortunately, standard-of-care metronidazole therapy for BV typically results in dominance of L. iners, probably contributing to post-treatment relapse. Here we generate an L. iners isolate collection comprising 34 previously unreported isolates from 14 South African women with and without BV and 4 previously unreported isolates from 3 US women. We also report an associated genome catalogue comprising 1,218 vaginal Lactobacillus isolate genomes and metagenome-assembled genomes from >300 women across 4 continents. We show that, unlike L. crispatus, L. iners growth is dependent on L-cysteine in vitro and we trace this phenotype to the absence of canonical cysteine biosynthesis pathways and a restricted repertoire of cysteine-related transport mechanisms. We further show that cysteine concentrations in cervicovaginal lavage samples correlate with Lactobacillus abundance in vivo and that cystine uptake inhibitors selectively inhibit L. iners growth in vitro. Combining an inhibitor with metronidazole promotes L. crispatus dominance of defined BV-like communities in vitro by suppressing L. iners growth. Our findings enable a better understanding of L. iners biology and suggest candidate treatments to modulate the vaginal microbiota to improve reproductive health for women globally.

Acidic Electrolyzed Water Inhibits the Viability of Gardnerella spp. via Oxidative Stress Response.

The vaginal microbiota, dominated by Lactobacilli, plays an important role in maintaining women's health. Disturbance of the vaginal microbiota allows infection by various pathogens such as Gardnerella spp. (GS) and related anaerobic bacteria resulting in bacterial vaginosis (BV). At present, the treatment options for BV are extremely limited. Treatment of antibacterial drugs and vaginal acidification are the two primary therapeutic methods. Acid electrolyzed water (AEW) is known to inactivate microorganisms and is considered a medical application in recent years. Studies have found that Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) probiotics helps to inhibit GS-induced BV. Our study took GS and LA as the research object, which aims to explore AEW as a potential alternative therapy for BV and its underlying mechanisms. We first obtained the pH of AEW (3.71–4.22) close to normal vaginal pH (3.8–4.5) to maintain normal vaginal acidification conditions. Plate counting experiments showed that AEW (pH: 4.07, ORP: 890.67, ACC: 20 ppm) (20 ppm) could better inhibit the viability of GS but had a more negligible effect on LA. Then, we preliminarily explored the possible mechanism of AEW anti-GS using cell biology experiments and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that the membrane permeability was significantly increased and the integrity of cell membrane was destroyed by AEW in GS than those in LA. AEW also caused protein leakage and cell lysis in GS without affecting LA. Meanwhile, AEW induced a number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in GS, with no obvious LA changes. Finally, we found that 20 ppm AEW exhibited excellent antibacterial effect on the vaginal secretions of women diagnosed with BV by Amsel criteria and sialic acid plum method. Taken together, our findings manifest that 20 ppm AEW has an excellent antibacterial effect in GS with less effect on LA, which might be expected to become a potential therapy for BV.

Бактериальный вагиноз и вульвовагинит у беременных при истмико-цервикальной недостаточности. Дифференцированный подход к медикаментозной терапии

Objectivе of the Review: To study the modern methods of diagnosis and management of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginitis in pregnant women complicated with insuficiencia istmicocervical (IIC). Key points. BV in pregnant women is a topical issue for obstetrician professionals since it can cause a number of unfavourable outcomes (miscarriage, premature delivery, antenatal infections). In case of impaired vaginal microbiocenosis in pregnant women complicated with IIC, it is preferable to use clinical scales, in particular Amsel’s criteria, with the vaginal pH being the main indicator. However, for a more complete diagnosis of vaginal dysbiosis, modern PCR-based methods are recommended. The review describes modern classification of vaginal biocenosis disorders. We discuss characteristics of differential therapy of BV and anaerobic vulvovaginitis with pН 4.5+, and the possibility of using metronidazoles and clotrimazoles in pregnant women for vagina sanitation before IIC correction. Conclusion. One method for BV therapy in pregnant women is the use of a combined intravaginal product containing Metronidazole 50 mg, which is recommended both by international and Russian clinical protocols as a first line therapy, and Clotrimazole 100 mg, since BV in pregnant women is frequently associated with fungi, or they start proliferating very fast because of reduced vaginal pH during therapy, thus causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. This product can be recommended for the therapy of a mixed infection and in presence of pathological discharges in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. Keywords: insuficiencia istmicocervical, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginitis, metronidazole, clotrimazole

Tilapia Piscidin 4 (TP4) Reprograms M1 Macrophages to M2 Phenotypes in Cell Models of Gardnerella vaginalis-Induced Vaginosis.

Gardnerella vaginalis is associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). The virulence factors produced by G. vaginalis are known to stimulate vaginal mucosal immune response, which is largely driven by activated macrophages. While Tilapia piscidin 4 (TP4), an antimicrobial peptide isolated from Nile tilapia, is known to display a broad range of antibacterial functions, it is unclear whether TP4 can affect macrophage polarization in the context of BV. In this study, we used the culture supernatants from G. vaginalis to stimulate differentiation of THP-1 and RAW264.7 cells to an M1 phenotype. The treatment activated the NF-κB/STAT1 signaling pathway, induced reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, and upregulated inflammatory mediators. We then treated the induced M1 macrophages directly with a non-toxic dose of TP4 or co-cultured the M1 macrophages with TP4-treated vaginal epithelial VK2 cells. The results showed that TP4 could not only decrease pro-inflammatory mediators in the M1 macrophages, but it also enriched markers of M2 macrophages. Further, we found that direct treatment with TP4 switched M1 macrophages toward a resolving M2c phenotype via the MAPK/ERK pathway and IL-10-STAT3 signaling. Conversely, tissue repair M2a macrophages were induced by TP4-treated VK2 cells; TP4 upregulated TSG-6 in VK2 cells, which subsequently activated STAT6 and M2a-related gene expression in the macrophages. In conclusion, our results imply that TP4 may be able to attenuate the virulence of G. vaginalis by inducing resolving M2c and tissue repair M2a macrophage polarizations, suggesting a novel strategy for BV therapy.

The modern features of optimal therapy of cervical neoplasia on the background of bacterial vaginosis

Research objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal decametoxinum in preparation for cervix excision (conization) in women with HSIL (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II) against the background of infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) in bacterial vaginosis (BV) and effectiveness of vaginal gel with decametoxinum and hyaluronic acid to improve repair in the postoperative period.Materials and methods. 60 women with HSIL (CIN II) were examined against the background of high-risk oncogenic HPV infection and BV, who underwent loop cervix excision (conization). The main group (n = 30) on the eve of surgery was prescribed BV therapy with decametoxinum solution and oral metronidazole for up to 7 days, after cervical excision used vaginal gel with decametoxinum and hyaluronic acid for 14 days. The control group (30 patients) used oral metronidazole for 7 days for the BV treatment.Visual cervix inspection was performed by colposcopy. Vaginal biocenosis was assessed by PCR. Elimination of oncogenic HPV strains was assessed by PCR.Results. Decametoxinum in the combination therapy of HSIL (CIN II) caused faster and complete epithelialization of the wound surface than standard therapy (relative risk (RR) 0.27, 95% CI 0.10 – 0.71, p = 0.008). 3 months after decametoxinum use was determined by a significant increase in cases of vaginal microbiota normalization (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09 – 0.98, p = 0.047), an increase in the lactobacilli number in vaginal secretions (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11 – 0.84, p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant effect of decametoxinum on the oncogenic HPV elimination (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05 – 0.94, p = 0.04) after 6 months of combination therapy. No side effects of decametoxinum were noted either during therapy or at a later date.Conclusions. Vaginal use of decametoxinum before and after loop cervix excision in women with HSIL (CIN II) on the background of high-risk HPV and BV showed acceleration of cervical reparative processes, pronounced antimicrobial effect, elimination of oncogenic HPV and safety.

Bacterial vaginosis: modern concepts, approaches to diagnosis and treatment

Microbiota a set of human microorganisms that exist with him in normal and pathological conditions, are involved in physiological and pathophysiological reactions, metabolism. The classic manifestation of a violation of the vaginal microbiota is a clinical non-inflammatory syndrome bacterial vaginosis (BV), characterized by certain changes in the composition of the vaginal microbiota and excessive reproduction of microorganisms, which are normally present in small quantities. To date, literature data emphasize that the issues of the etiology, pathogenesis of BV, the reasons for the recurrence of the process are not fully understood, the reasons for the lack of long-term effectiveness of BV therapy are unknown. Further research in this area should be aimed at studying predictors and prognostic signs of recurrence and persistence of the process, differences in vaginal microbiota in patients with recurrent and persistent BV.

Search of ways to menopausal hormonal therapy and correction of bacterial vaginosis against the climacteric syndrome

Study objective: optimization of the treatment of climacteric syndrome (CS) and improvement of the life quality in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) during menopause. Materials and methods. 58 women with natural menopause were examined, 38 of whom were diagnosed with BV. To correct the CS patient used the drug 17β-estradiol Divigel transdermal in combination with micronized progesterone orally. Patients with BV were divided into 2 subgroups: 15 women received standard treatment with metronidazole gel (comparison subgroup), 23 women additionally used Lactagel (main subgroup). The control group included 20 patients with CS without BV. The severity of CS was assessed with MRS scale. Microscopic and bacteriological examination of vaginal discharge was performed to determine the infectious agent, and the species composition of pathogens was determined with a polymerase chain reaction. BV was diagnosed according to Amsel criteria. CQLS questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of patients with BV. The treatment effectiveness was assessed after 1 and 3 months from the start of treatment.Results. Divigel in women with uterus in combination with oral micronized progesterone has shown high efficiency in the CS correction within a month from the start of treatment. The most significant was the decrease in neurovegetative and psychoemotional symptoms after 3 months from the start of treatment. Lactagel in the therapy of patients with BV on the background of CS allowed increasing the lactobacilli content to the value in patients without BV, restoring the normal vaginal biotope and preventing of the disease recurrence, in contrast to the subgroup of patients who received standard treatment. Lactagel made it possible to improve the life quality of patients to an average level and to increase the overall level of life satisfaction, in contrast to the subgroup with standard treatment where these levels have remained low.Conclusions. Developed approaches to menopausal hormone therapy and BV therapy against the background of natural menopause allows optimizing treatment, improving the life quality of patients, which allows recommending them for widespread use in clinical practice.

Dequalinium chloride use in adult Spanish women with bacterial vaginosis: an observational study

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) represents the most frequent vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. The aim of this study was to characterise episodes of BV among adult Spanish women and their management with dequalinium chloride (DQC). Data from 573 DQC-treated BV adult women was obtained on medical records and questionnaires. The study shows that 20.6% had presented vaginal infections previously. Comorbid candidosis was significantly associated to other symptoms, such as pruritus or leucorrhoea. Most patients (64.3%) indicated a moderate-strong impact of the BV episode on their sexual life. After treatment, 84.8% of patients reported no BV symptoms. Patients were given instructions to prevent relapses. Most patients (83.1%) rated DQC as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘very/extremely satisfactory’ regarding symptom relief, prevention or treatment of the episode of BV. In conclusion, this study provides a better understanding of BV episodes and the impact of the treatment with DQC in real clinical practice in Spanish patients. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most commonly reported vaginal infection among women of childbearing age. Despite the availability of antibiotic medications for the treatment of BV, management of this condition remains challenging. In fact, recurrence of BV has been reported for up to 50% of cases. However, antiseptic agents are considered an effective option for BV treatment. What the results of this study add? The study provides a better understanding of the prevalent symptomatology and the impact on quality of life of women with BV. Moreover, it has been observed that antiseptic dequalinium chloride (DQC) efficiently reduces symptoms and improves quality of life of the patients during episodes of BV. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In the context of the World Health Organisation recommendations on the rational use of antibiotics, we believe that the use of DQC may be a good alternative to antibiotics as a therapy for BV.

Dequalinium Chloride Effectively Disrupts Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Gardnerella spp. Biofilms

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequent vaginal infection worldwide. It is caused by the overgrowth of anaerobic vaginal pathogens such as Gardnerella spp. BV has been associated with the occurrence of dense multispecies biofilms on the vaginal mucosa. Treatment of biofilm-associated infections such as BV is challenging. In this study, we have tested the role of a quaternary ammonium compound, dequalinium chloride (DQC), in the eradication of Gardnerella spp. biofilms. The effects of the test substance on the biomass and the metabolic activity of the biofilm of Gardnerella spp. were assessed in vitro using a microtiter plate assay. In addition, the effect of DQC on the Gardnerella spp. biofilm was further assessed by using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results showed that DQC was particularly effective in the destruction of BV-associated Gardnerella spp. biotypes, impacting both their biomass and metabolic activity. In addition, the disruption of biofilm architecture was evident and was probably caused by multiple mechanisms of action. We conclude that DQC is an antibiofilm agent and is able to efficiently destroy Gardnerella spp. BV-associated biofilms. Therefore, it is a valid option for BV therapy and has the potential to prevent BV recurrences.

Intravaginal use of clindamycin phosphate in therapy of bacterial vaginosis: peculiarities of pharmacokinetics depending on the level of hydrogen sulfide in the organism (literature review)

Annotation. The article provides an overview of modern literature data on the problems of bacterial vaginosis, its therapy with clindamycin, the pharmacokinetics of this pharmacological drug, and the potential effect of the background level of hydrogen sulfide in the body on the pharmacokinetics of drugs. From PubMed, ScienceDirect, UpToDate databases, 50 sources were selected that met the conditions of the query: the latest publications (for the last 5 years), or the latest publications on this issue (regardless of age). The wide and diverse influence of endogenous hydrogen sulfide on the course of biochemical and physiological processes in the body prompts the study of its potential modulating effect on the pharmacological properties of drugs. A preclinical study of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs (in particular, clindamycin) will further optimize therapeutic regimens taking into account the level of hydrogen sulfide in the body, as well as create the preconditions for the development of new effective pharmaceutical compositions of antibiotics and hydrogen sulfide donors.

The Efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum as Adjunctive Therapy of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a clinical syndrome caused by the changing of Lactobacillus spp., a producer of hydrogen peroxide, in the normal vagina with a high concentration of anaerobic bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis. This study reports a resistance of BV therapy regimens, high recurrence rates, and side effects of an antibiotic. Therefore, adjunctive therapy for BV management is needed. Research has reported the therapeutic effects of probiotic in BV; however, the results are inconsistent. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of standard therapy using metronidazole and Lactobacillus plantarum for BV measured by the cure rate and vaginal flora balance. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 subjects were randomized to take metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for seven days with weekly evaluation. The Lactobacillus plantarum or placebo group was evaluated every 4 weeks. The cure rate and vaginal flora balance were evaluated using the Amsel criteria and Nugent score before and after the intervention. Result: A total of 30 subjects returned for 28-day follow-up, of which 60% subjects of the antibiotic/probiotic group were cured compared to 40% in the antibiotic/placebo group (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference in the increase of cure rate and vaginal flora balance between the treatment group and significant control group.

The features of complex therapy of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women with cervical incompetence

Objective of the study: to study the clinical and laboratory efficacy of the Femivag® (contains Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus) drug in the complex treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women with high risk of preterm birth.Materials and methods. 42 pregnant women at the 16–18 weeks of gestation with cervical dysfunction and BV diagnosed before cervical pessary installation were examined and treated. All patients were assessed the dynamics of symptoms severity, performed PCR testі with a quantitative count of opportunistic pathogens and Lactobacillus spp. Perinatal and neonatal outcomes were also assessed. Femivag® vaginal capsules were prescribed to 24 women (main group) to restore the vaginal microbiota after BV treatment. 18 pregnant women used dietary supplements containing pro- and prebiotics (comparison group). The examination was performed before treatment, 4 and 15–16 days from the therapy start, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment.Results. Vaginal probiotic Femivag® as a component of complex therapy of BV before the installation of cerclage pessary was more effective than the oral food supplements with pro- and prebiotics in terms of reducing in vaginal discharge and vaginal discomfort, the disappearance of vaginal itching and burning sensation for 4 days of therapy. Gardnerella vaginalis / Prevotella bivia / Porphyromonas spp., Mobiluncus spp. / Corynebacterium spp. and Atopobium vaginae disappeared and vaginal normobiota significant recovered in the second trimester in women with cervical dysfunction at 4 and 8 weeks from the start of BV treatment with Femivag®. Frequency of premature rupture of membranes and chorioamnionitis significantly decreased in the main group. Femivag® was well tolerated and had no side effects.Conclusions. Femivag® vaginal capsules had a pronounced clinical and laboratory effect in the complex treatment of BV in pregnant women with incompetent cervix

Вагітність на тлі бактеріального вагінозу: сучасні шляхи вирішення проблеми

Pregnancy against the background of bacterial vaginosis is accompanied by a high risk of obstetric and perinatal complications. Therefore, bacterial vaginosis must be treated in pregnant women. Screening and therapy are performed at the beginning of the II or III trimester of pregnancy. The survival of colonies of pathogenic microorganisms in biofilms is significantly increased, so they can remain viable even at high concentrations of antiseptic. The main advantage of using local combined antiseptic agents is the ability to achieve the maximum concentration of the antibiotic exactly in the place of the greatest accumulation of pathogens with the ability to influence biofilms. The objective: was to compare the efficacy and safety of various regimens of therapy with topical combined drugs (Lynda and Meratin Combi) in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis. Materials and methods. The biocenosis of the vagina was investigated in 351 pregnant women in the II trimester. The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was established if the patient had any three of the Amsel criteria. Results. Microbiological screening of the vaginal biocenosis in the II trimester of pregnancy showed that normocenosis among the surveyed was 18.5%; bacterial vaginosis – 31.6%; vulvovaginal candidiasis – 26.5%; aerobic vaginitis – 22.8%, trichomonas vaginitis – 0.6%. Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, the threat of miscarriage, placental dysfunction occurred 6 times more often, anemia and preeclampsia three times more often, gestational pyelonephritis twice more often than in healthy pregnant women. In most patients, the sensitivity of the vaginal microflora to metronidazole and ornidazole is the same, but depends on the dose of the antiseptic, the sensitivity to miconazole was almost twice as high as to nystatin. This confirms the need for a differentiated selection of antiseptics for local therapy of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. Conclusion. A more rapid dynamics of the disappearance of the main symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and the normalization of the pH of the vaginal secretion were noted after the use of the drug Limenda. In order to prevent relapse of the disease, it is necessary to carry out the second stage of treatment with probiotics to restore its own lactoflora. Keywords: screening of vaginal biocenosis in the II trimester of pregnancy; complications of pregnancy against the background of bacterial vaginosis; treating bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy; biofilms; sensitivity of the vaginal microflora to antiseptics; topical treatment of bacterial vaginosis; Limenda; Meratin Kombi.

Vaginal discharge syndrome. Problem with many unknowns

The main reason for visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist is the vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS) of infectious etiology. The most common causes of infectious vaginitis wich are identifed by European researchers are bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and mixed infections. Treatment of VDS is a serious problem not only because of the pathogens’s resistance and frequent recurrences, but especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic which can complicate further patient`s examination for determination of infectious agent and the choice of individual approach to etiotropic therapy.Purpose of study: to investigate the structure of causes of pathological vaginal discharge in Ukrainian women, as well as assess the compliance and effectiveness of their treatment.Methods: 472 doctors of women's consultation centres, gynecological hospitals and centers of reproductive medicine from 23 regions of Ukraine were enrolled in multi-center study of vulvovaginal infections management. During the study, which lasted from August to December 2019, were examined 45,295 patients aged 18 to 59 years who complained for pathological vaginal discharge.Results: analysis of the structure of nosologies that caused VDS showed that the examined patients were most often diagnosed with BV (41.1%), colpitis of mixed etiology (26.59%) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (19.22%), trichomoniasis was confirmed in 8.44%. The interviewed gynecologists preferred topical therapy in 95,99% cases of BV and colpitis of mixed etiology. Topical combined medications were prescribed in 85,21% of cases, monoforms – in 14.79%. Among the combined vaginal dosage forms the combination of metronidazole 750 mg /miconazole 200 mg was preferred in 48.81% of cases with clinical efficacy 87.1% in patients with BV and 86,9% in women with mixed infection. Normalization of the vaginal biocenosis was observed in 93.50% of the examined patients. The study demonstrated the safety, good tolerability and compliance of patients to therapy with the combined medications metronidazole 750 mg / miconazole 200 mg in vaginal suppositories.Conclusion: BV, colpitis of mixed etiology and vulvovaginal candidiasis are predominated in structure of main causes of VDS in Ukraine. In the treatment of VDS, priority is given to vaginal forms with the most compliant (89.8%) regimen: once a day for a short period (7 days). The obtained high bacteriological (93.50%) and clinical (86,9%) efficacy of therapy of BV and vaginal mixed infections with the combined drug metronidazole 750 mg / miconazole 200 mg allows to recommend it as the drug of choice.