Role of Probiotic in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Randomised Controlled Non-blinded Trial from India

Abstract

Background Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent form of vaginitis, and most patients show improvement when treated with antifungal medications. However, recurrence may affect a minority. It has been found through previous research that the concomitant utilisation of probiotics during acute VVC leads to early relief of symptoms and signs and offers a preventive measure against recurrences. Objectives This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the combination of oral probiotics with conventional antifungal treatment as compared to conventional antifungal treatment alone. Methods Sixty patients who were newly diagnosed with VVC were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial. They were divided into two groups. Group A included 30 cases treated with conventional antifungal medication (oral fluconazole 150 mg single dose), while Group B included 30 cases treated with conventional antifungal medication (oral fluconazole 150 mg single dose) alongside oral probiotic capsules (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii) for 2 months. The clinical and mycological findings were recorded before and after treatment. The relapse rate and side effects were recorded during the period of our study. Results No significant difference between the clinical cure rate, mycological cure, and relapse rate was seen between the two groups. (P < 0.05). However, a larger proportion of patients in Group B (97%) achieved complete remission compared to Group A (90%). No side effects were noted in either of the groups. Conclusion Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the addition of probiotics to conventional antifungal treatment led to better rates of clinical and mycological cure and a lower likelihood of relapse compared to conventional antifungal treatment alone.

Keywords

• antifungals
• probiotics
• sexual health
• vulvovaginal candidiasis