Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Probiotic Product as an Adjuvant Treatment for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Bioithas WOMAN®: ≥1 × 10⁹ CFU of a probiotic blend composed of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Kluyveromyces marxianus

Study summary

Open-label, randomized clinical trial with a control group and a 4-week intervention period. The study will evaluate the efficacy of the probiotic supplement Bioithas WOMAN® as an adjunctive treatment in women with clinically suspected vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

All participants will receive the antifungal treatment prescribed by the investigator. Participants allocated to the probiotic group will additionally receive Bioithas WOMAN®, supplied as a bottle containing 30 capsules, to be taken during the 4-week intervention period.

The study includes two on-site visits: Visit 1 (baseline) and Visit 2 (week 4/end of study). At baseline, demographic data, relevant gynecological history, VVC risk factors, clinical characteristics of the current episode, concomitant diseases, and usual pharmacological treatments will be recorded. Clinical symptoms associated with VVC, including abnormal vaginal discharge, pruritus, burning sensation, irritation, and dyspareunia, will be assessed, together with the Vaginitis Symptom Score (VSS).

At both visits, vaginal pH will be measured using an indicator strip applied to the vaginal mucosa. A vaginal sample will also be collected using a sterile swab for microbiological culture of Candida and semiquantitative assessment of Lactobacillus. Although randomization will be performed in women with clinical suspicion of VVC, microbiological confirmation by culture will be obtained after inclusion.

At the final visit, the same clinical and microbiological variables will be reassessed. Concomitant treatments, relevant follow-up observations, and any adverse events reported during the study will also be recorded. In the probiotic group, adherence to treatment will be assessed by counting the remaining capsules.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Difference in the number and percentage of patients with complete absence of symptoms associated with VVC at the end of the 4-week treatment period between the study groups, compared with the baseline visit. — 4 weeks
  The complete absence of symptoms associated with VVC will be assessed. The symptoms evaluated will include: abnormal vaginal discharge, pruritus, burning sensation, irritation, and dyspareunia

Trial sites (1)

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