Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus compared with pasteurized yogurt as prophylaxis for recurrent candidal vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis
E. Shalev, S. Battino, E. Weiner, R. Colodner and Y. Keness
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Emek Hospital, Afula, Israel.
To compare and assess ingestion of yogurt that contained live Lactobacillus
acidophilus with pasteurized yogurt as prophylaxis for recurrent bacterial
vaginosis (BV) and candidal vaginitis, we designed a crossover trial during
which patients were examined monthly for candidal infection and BV while
they were receiving either a pasteurized yogurt or a yogurt that contained
live L acidophilus. Forty-six patients in 2 groups of 23 were randomly
assigned to each of the study groups. At least 28 (61%) participated during
the first 4 months of the study. Seven patients completed the entire study
protocol. We concluded that daily ingestion of 150 mL of yogurt, enriched
with live L acidophilus, was associated with an increased prevalence of
colonization of the rectum and vagina by the bacteria, and this ingestion
of yogurt may have reduced episodes of BV.
