Publication
Title
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis : what we have and what we miss
Author
Abstract
Introduction: The disturbing, foul-smelling discharge of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a nuisance to women. Treatment possibilities for BV are limited and only achieve complete cure in 65 to 85% of cases. In most women, the condition relapses within weeks to months after treatment. Areas covered: In search of new therapeutic actions to cure, prevent or delay recurrences of BV, PubMed and web of science were searched for papers with i) decent study layout, ii) proper statistics, iii) comparison group (placebo or standard treatment) and iv) language English, French, Dutch or German. The following keywords were used: bacterial vaginosis and treatment or management or therapy or prophylaxis or prevention. Results were grouped in treatment categories and were discussed. Expert opinion: Clindamycin and metronidazole are the standard drugs for BV. As other antibiotic and acidifying treatments are progressively being studied, like tinidazole, rifaximin, nitrofuran, dequalinium chloride, vitamin C and lactic acid, more options have become available for switching therapy, combining therapies and long-term prophylactic use to prevent recurrences. Further studies are needed. Also, adjuvant therapy with probiotics may have a significant role in improving efficacy and in preventing recurrences. However, it is unlikely that probiotics will replace antibiotherapy.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. - London
Publication
London : 2014
ISSN
1465-6566
DOI
10.1517/14656566.2014.881800
Volume/pages
15 :5 (2014) , p. 645-657
ISI
000332838100007
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 12.05.2014
Last edited 09.10.2023
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