Oral probiotics can resolve urogenital infections

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2001 Feb;30(1):49-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2001.tb01549.x.

Abstract

We report the first clinical evidence that probiotic lactobacilli can be delivered to the vagina following oral intake. In 10 women with a history of recurrent yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections, strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 suspended in skim milk and given twice daily for 14 days, were recovered from the vagina and identified by morphology and molecular typing within 1 week of commencement of therapy. In six cases of asymptomatic BV or intermediate BV (based upon Nugent scoring) was resolved within 1 week of therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Bacterial Infections / therapy*
  • Female
  • Female Urogenital Diseases / microbiology
  • Female Urogenital Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus* / classification
  • Lactobacillus* / isolation & purification
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Vagina / microbiology