Effectiveness of prebiotics and probiotics in treating recurrent vaginitis in Indian women

Background: Recurrent vaginitis refers to the occurrence of vaginitis 3 or more times in a year. Studies have highlighted the potential benefits of prebiotics and probiotics in vaginitis treatment.Aim and Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of prebiotics & probiotics in recurrent vaginitis in Indian women.Materials and Methods: 100 women with recurrent vaginitis were randomized into two groups. Study group received pre & probiotics capsule (Bifilac capsule) twice daily for 8 weeks along with standard therapy. Control group received standard therapy alone. The standard therapy comprised of antibiotics & antifungals. Duration of the study was 24 weeks with 8 weeks of Intervention and 16 weeks of follow up. Reduction in symptoms and recurrence rate were the primary end points. Causative organisms and the restoration of vaginal pH were evaluated.Results: At 8 weeks, vaginitis symptoms were reduced in 76 % of subjects in study group as compared to 48 % in control group (P = 0.003). After 24 weeks, there was a significant reduction in the recurrence rate observed in the study group as compared to control group (86 % vs 62 %, P = 0.006). Candida species accounted for 64 % of cases of vaginitis. A higher proportion of women in the study group (98 %) achieved restoration of acidic pH in the vagina as compared to the control group (74 %) (P < 0.001).Conclusion: The addition of pre & probiotics (Bifilac capsule) to the standard treatment resulted in better clinical outcomes in women suffering from recurrent vaginitis.Keywords: Probiotics, Prebiotics, Recurrent vaginitis, Bifilac.