Περίληψη:
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection affecting the
quality of life of many women. Probiotics havebeen investigated as
possible agents for the prevention of recurrences of VVC. We reviewed
the available literature. In some studies the development of VVC was
associated with either a low number of lactobacilli in the vagina or
with the presence of H2O2-non-producing vaginal lactobacilli, although
there are a few studies not supporting these statements. In addition, in
vitro studies have shown that lactobacilli can inhibit the growth of
Candida albicans and/or its adherence on the vaginal epithelium. The
results of some clinical trials support the effectiveness of
lactobacilli, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus
rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14, administered either
orally or intravaginally in colonizing the vagina and/or preventing the
colonization and infection of the vagina by C. albicans, while the
results of a small number of clinical trials do not corroborate these
findings. Nevertheless, most of the relevant clinical trials had
methodological problems such as small sample size, no control group
(placebo) and included women without confirmed recurrent VVC, and thus
they are not reliable for drawing definitive conclusions. Thus, the
available evidence for the use of probiotics for prevention of recurrent
VVC is limited. However, the empirical use of probiotics may be
considered in women with frequent recurrence of VVC (more than three
episodes per year), especially for those who have adverse effects from
or contraindications for the use of antifungal agents, since adverse
effects of probiotics are very rare. In any case women should be clearly
informed about the unproven usefulness of probiotics for this purpose.
In conclusion, despite the promising results of some studies, further
research is needed to prove the effectiveness of probiotics in
preventing the recurrences of VVC and to allow their wide use for this
indication.
Συγγραφείς:
Falagas, Matthew E.
Betsi, Gregoria I.
Athanasiou, Stavros
