American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology

EFFECTS OF RIFAXIMIN VAGINAL TABLETS ON VAGINAL MICROBIOTA IN BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS: INSIGHTS FROM A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL FOR POTENTIAL PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

Anuradha V

-Bacterial vaginosis, Rifaximin, Vaginal microbiota, Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), Lactobacillus, Microbial modulation

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection associated with sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 102 patients with BV were enrolled to investigate the effects of rifaximin vaginal tablets on the vaginal microbiota. The study aimed to assess the impact of different doses of rifaximin (100 mg, 25 mg, and 100 mg) taken daily for two days on the vaginal microbiota composition. The study utilized molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCRDGGE) and qualitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR), to analyze the microbial changes induced by rifaximin treatment. Results showed that rifaximin administration led to alterations in the vaginal microbiota, characterized by an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus genus and a reduction in bacteria associated with BV. PCR-DGGE analysis demonstrated modulation and reduction of vaginal fluid microbial communities following rifaximin treatment. Notably, rifaximin 25 mg administered four times a day showed promising results in modulating the vaginal microbiota in patients with BV. These findings suggest that rifaximin vaginal tablets have the potential to effectively modulate the vaginal microbiota composition in patients with BV. The observed increase in Lactobacillus abundance and decrease in BVassociated bacteria indicate a beneficial effect of rifaximin on restoring vaginal microbiota balance. Further pivotal studies are warranted to validate these results and assess the clinical efficacy and safety of rifaximin in the treatment of BV. Rifaximin, particularly at a dose of 25 mg four times a day, may represent a promising therapeutic option for patients with BV, offering potential benefits for the management of this prevalent vaginal infection