New Treatment Approach Shows Promise in Reducing Bacterial Vaginosis Recurrence

Researchers at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne have unveiled promising results from a new treatment approach aimed at reducing bacterial vaginosis (BV) recurrence in women. The study involved 81 couples, with females receiving first-line antimicrobial agents and males undergoing a combination of oral and topical antimicrobial therapy. This novel combination therapy has shown a significant reduction in BV recurrence rates within 12 weeks.

The trial, which targeted women in monogamous relationships with male partners, highlights the often-overlooked presence of BV in males. Female partners received first-line antimicrobial treatment, while their male counterparts were administered metronidazole 400-milligram tablets and 2% clindamycin cream, applied to the penile skin twice daily for a week. Catriona Bradshaw, PhD, a co-author of the study, emphasized that this dual approach aims to tackle bacteria on the penile skin and inside the urethra.

“We believed it was important to try and target the bacteria on the penile skin with a topical antibiotic cream as well as inside the urethra with an oral antibiotic,” said Catriona Bradshaw, PhD.

The findings underscore that BV can occur in men, contributing to reinfections in women. By treating both partners, researchers noted a significant decline in recurrence rates among women. The treatment is both easy and well-tolerated, requiring only a week-long course. Bradshaw also remarked on the significance of this study for clinicians and researchers seeking individualized BV treatments for patients.

“It enables us to understand that reinfection of women with BV bacteria from men is responsible for a large proportion of BV recurrence in women. The treatment is easy and well tolerated and only needs to be taken for a week,” stated Catriona Bradshaw, PhD.

The study's implications extend beyond couples, suggesting that messaging around BV prevention should include considerations for those without current partners. While condoms provide some protection against BV transmission similar to other STIs, the nuanced understanding of BV in men opens new avenues for testing and prevention strategies.

“We do hope that this trial helps clinicians individualize BV treatment for their patients,” said study co-author Catriona Bradshaw, PhD, emphasizing the potential for improved diagnostic tests.