A pilot study of treatment of bacterial vaginosis with a buffering vaginal microbicide.
BACKGROUND
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an extremely common problem for women and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and HIV infection. Currently available antibiotic treatments are moderately effective but may need to be repeated frequently because of the recurrent nature of the disease. We undertook a pilot study of a buffering vaginal microbicide in the treatment of BV.


METHODS
Women with clinically diagnosed BV were recruited to receive seven applications (5 g per application) of BufferGel trade mark (ReProtect, LLC, Baltimore, MD), a topical vaginal microbicide, and had clinical and gram stain evaluation of response. Subjects were evaluated at 2-3 days after the last application of BufferGel as a test of cure and again at 1 month to assess for relapse. Subjects with BV at test of cure were offered oral metronidazole.


RESULTS
Thirty-one women were screened, 16 were offered enrollment, and 10 completed the study. Treatment with BufferGel was clinically effective in 70% of women at 2-3 days after treatment and in 40% of women by 1-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that 5 g of BufferGel vaginally once a day appears to be a moderately effective treatment for BV.
Harwell
Joseph I
JI
Brown University, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA. JHarwell@Lifespan.org
Moench
Thomas
T
Mayer
Kenneth H
KH
Chapman
Stacey
S
Rodriguez
Irma
I
Cu-Uvin
Susan
S
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; C420918:BufferGel; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole