Current scientific understanding of urinary tract infections in women: An overview

Authors

Rafael C.R. Martinez, Universidade de Sao Paulo - USP
Silvio A. Franceschini, Universidade de Sao Paulo - USP
Maristela C. Patta, Universidade de Sao Paulo - USP
Silvana M. Quintana, Universidade de Sao Paulo - USP
Bruna C. Gomes, Universidade de Sao Paulo - USP
Elaine C.P. De Martinis, Universidade de Sao Paulo - USP
Gregor Reid, Lawson Health Research Institute

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2009

Journal

Canadian Journal of Microbiology

Volume

55

Issue

2

First Page

133

Last Page

138

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1139/W08-102

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.