Effects of Lactobacillus bulgaricus DWT1 in vulvovaginal candidiasis
Abstract - Effects of Lactobacillus bulgaricus DWT1 in vulvovaginal candidiasis
Georgi Alexandrov1, Anna Petkova2, Maria Peneva1, Evgenia Barzashka3, Ioannis Misopoulos4
1 Medical Center “Eurozdrave-Bulgaria”, 7 Rusaliisky prohod str., Sofia, Bulgaria
2 University General Hospital for Active Treatment St. Anna Sofia, 1 Dimitar Mollov str., Sofia, Bulgaria
3 University Hospital Pleven “Dr. Georgy Stranski”, 8a Georgy Kochev blvd., Pleven, Bulgaria
4 Mika Nutri-Pharma Ltd., 18 Samuil str., Petrich, Bulgaria
Introduction
Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects 80% to 95% of women and 40% of pregnant women. Main routs of the infection are transmitted from the colon or sexually. Lactobacillus bulgaricus DWT1 improves the intestinal microbiome and modulates immunity. The aim of the study is to establish the effect of a probiotic formula, containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus DWT1, on vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Materials and methods
The object of the study for the period 2023-2025 at St. Anna University Hospital are 68 pregnant women in 13-40 weeks of gestation with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Diagnosis is established after a clinical examination, vaginal discharge microscopy and biochemical tests. Therapy satisfaction survey is conducted. Candida albicans is isolated in 80,88% of the women, and Candida non albicans – in 19,12%. Vaginal discharge was collected at the start of therapy, and on days 15, 30 and 60. The pregnant women were randomly divided into two groups of 34. Group A received 18 g daily of a long-term nutritional therapy with a probiotic containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus DWT1. Group B received a topical antifungal preparation. An antifungal preparation was applied topically in group B.
Results
Subjective complaints in group A, receiving a probiotic therapy, disappeared already on the 4th day, on the 15th day 97.06% were negative for Candida, the examination on the 30th and 60th day did not reveal any recurrence of candidiasis, there were no cases of premature birth and infectious complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. 97,05% of them are very satisfied with the application of the nutritional therapy. The subjective complaints in group B disappeared on the 8th day, on the 15th day 81,82% were negative for Candida, the examination on the 30th and 60th day showed that 18,18% had recurrences of candidiasis. 12,12% gave birth prematurely and 15,15% had infectious or viral diseases. 54,55% were satisfied with the treatment.
Conclusions
Long-term administration of a probiotic alone, containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus DWT1, is safe, rapid and efficient nutritional therapy for vulvovaginal candidiasis. The health of the vaginal and gut microbiome is a prerequisite for the normal course of pregnancy and the physical and mental well-being of mothers, children and family.
