Effect of a Yoghurt Containing Four Probiotic Lactobacillus Strains on Bacterial Vaginosis

Female volunteers aged ≥18 years with stable menstrual cycle or postmenopausal women presenting with a newly diagnosed bacterial vaginosis based on Amsel criteria, complying with a standard oral antibiotic treatment (Metronidazol (Arilin®) 7 days 2x500mg), willing to consume for 4 weeks the study product two times daily, complying with the dietary restrictions (s. a.) and complying with the other inclusion and exclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. After enrollment subjects will be randomly and evenly assigned to one of the two test groups verum and placebo.The study population will be recruited in a screening examination (G1) by gynaecologists from Kiel area. This screening examination (routine examination) by gynaecologist is used to provide the diagnosis BV. After enrolment subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the two test groups verum (n=108) and placebo (n=108).

Inclusion criteria

To be enrolled, the following criteria have to be fulfilled:

• Woman aged ≥ 18 years with stable menstrual cycle or postmenopausal women
• Newly diagnosed bacterial vaginosis based on Amsel criteria
• Complies with a standard oral antibiotic treatment with Metronidazol for 7 days, 2 x 500mg/day)
• Willing to consume for 4 weeks the study product two times daily
• Willingness to abstain from food and supplements containing probiotics, prebiotics and other fermented products as well as dietary supplements
• Not in menses at the time of the first examination at the gynaecologist (G1)
• Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects currently enrolled in another clinical study.
• Subjects having finished another clinical study within the last 4 weeks before inclusion.
• Infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
• Infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea
• Infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis
• Infection caused by Candida albicans or other mycosis
• Leucocytes present in the vaginal smear
• PAP-testing ≥ 3 (anamnestically)
• Vulvovaginal inflammation as macroscopically identified by the gynaecologist
• Dyspareunia
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Chemically based contraceptives (e.g. suppositories, salves, foam, gel)
• Irregular cycles (e.g. polymenorrhoea, metrorrhagia)
• Dysuria
• Infection of the urinary tract
• Chronic or sporadic abdominal pain with exception of dysmenorrhoea
• Any ano-rectal infection, disease, surgery in the medical history or current
• Anus praeter
• Hypersensitivity, allergy or idiosyncratic reaction to metronidazole or any similar active substances.
• Hypersensitivity, allergy or idiosyncratic reaction to any component of the yoghurt (e.g. lactose intolerance, allergy against milk protein)
• Any disease or condition which might compromise significantly the hematopoietic, renal, endocrine, pulmonary, hepatic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immunological, central nervous, dermatological or any other body system with the exception of the conditions defined by the inclusion criteria.
• History of hepatitis B and C
• History of HIV infection
• Regular medical treatment including OTC, which may have impact on the study aims (e.g. probiotics, antibiotic drugs, laxatives etc.)
• Major cognitive or psychiatric disorders
• Subjects who are scheduled to undergo hospitalization during the study period
• Eating disorders (e.g. anorexia, bulimia) or special diets (e.g. vegan, vegetarian)
• Present drug abuse or alcoholism, reformed alcoholic
• Legal incapacity