A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of probiotics for bacterial vaginosis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed at assessing the overall efficacy of probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) through the review of relevant studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted based largely on the following electronic databases updated to May 2021 Embase, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed, with the use of keywords. The investigators also thoroughly reviewed key pertinent sources in the literature for further inclusion. RESULTS: Eighteen studies including 1651 patients were selected in the present meta-analysis. In comparison with antibiotics, antibiotics plus probiotics significantly decreased the recurrence rate of BV (at 1-3 months and overall analysis) and increased the cure/remission rate of BV (at 1-3 months and overall analysis). Compared with placebo, probiotics decreased the recurrence rate of BV (at 1-3 months and overall analysis) and increased the cure/remission rate of BV (at 1-3 months). Compared with antibiotics, probiotics significantly decreased the recurrence rate of BV (at <1 month, 1-3 months and overall analysis) as well as the incidence of adverse events (AEs) (at less than 1 month) and increased the cure/remission rate of BV (at 1-3 months). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with short-term probiotics treatment (<1 month), long-term probiotics treatment (1-3 months) yields superior beneficial outcomes and efficacy in the treatment of BV.