[Bacterial vaginosis: efficacy of a local treatment with a gel containing a fraction derived from propinibacterium acnes]. / Vaginosi batterica: efficacia di un trattamento locale con un gel vaginale a base di una frazione batterica derivata da Propionibacterium acnes.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is favored by a decreased activity of vaginal immune system. The fraction derived from Propionibacterium acnes is known to activate the immune system and is used parenterally to treat respiratory and urinary infections. The employ of a fraction derived from Propionibacterium acnes locally, in the context of the vaginal immune system, is made possible by a vaginal gel in which this fraction is associated with hyaluronic acid, well-known for its moisturizing activity, and polycarbophil, capable of miming the function of cervical mucus. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether this preparation is efficacy in the treatment of vulvovaginal symptoms associated to BV. METHODS: After the diagnosis of BV and the evaluation of a Visual Analogic Score >6 for vulvovaginal itch and burning, 33 women participated in this study on a voluntary basis. They were treated with a vaginal gel (Immunovag®, Depofarma, Italy) for 5 days, with one vulvovaginal application a day. RESULTS: The day following the last application, the subjects reported a significant reduction of vulvovaginal symptoms and a significant reduction of vulvovaginal erythema and leucorrhea. In the vaginal swab performed before the treatment, anaerobic microorganisms were positive in 82% and negative in 18% of cases; when tested the day following the end of treatment, it was positive in 25% and negative in 75% of subjects. Symptom reduction rates did not differ between the groups with positive or negative vaginal swab. The results obtained in the subjects treated with Immunovag® were similar to those obtained in a group of women with BV treated with clindamycin cream (one daily vulvovaginal application of 100 mg, for 5 days). CONCLUSIONS: The activation of the vaginal immune system induced by Immunovag® can antagonize the symptoms of BV and counteract the growth of vaginal anaerobic microorganisms.