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

The aim of this study is, to investigate, whether the consumption of a probiotic yoghurt containing 4 probiotic strains naturally colonizing the vagina (L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus, L. jensenii) has an influence on the comfort of adult women with BV after and 3 weeks following a standard antibiotic treatment with metronidazole.

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).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

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

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

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects currently enrolled in another clinical study.
2. Subjects having finished another clinical study within the last 4 weeks before inclusion.
3. Infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
4. Infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea
5. Infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis
6. Infection caused by Candida albicans or other mycosis
7. Leucocytes present in the vaginal smear
8. PAP-testing ≥ 3 (anamnestically)
9. Vulvovaginal inflammation as macroscopically identified by the gynaecologist
10. Dyspareunia
11. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
12. Chemically based contraceptives (e.g. suppositories, salves, foam, gel)
13. Irregular cycles (e.g. polymenorrhoea, metrorrhagia)
14. Dysuria
15. Infection of the urinary tract
16. Chronic or sporadic abdominal pain with exception of dysmenorrhoea
17. Any ano-rectal infection, disease, surgery in the medical history or current
18. Anus praeter
19. Hypersensitivity, allergy or idiosyncratic reaction to metronidazole or any similar active substances.
20. Hypersensitivity, allergy or idiosyncratic reaction to any component of the yoghurt (e.g. lactose intolerance, allergy against milk protein)
21. 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.
22. History of hepatitis B and C
23. History of HIV infection
24. Regular medical treatment including OTC, which may have impact on the study aims (e.g. probiotics, antibiotic drugs, laxatives etc.)
25. Major cognitive or psychiatric disorders
26. Subjects who are scheduled to undergo hospitalization during the study period
27. Eating disorders (e.g. anorexia, bulimia) or special diets (e.g. vegan, vegetarian)
28. Present drug abuse or alcoholism, reformed alcoholic
29. Legal incapacity