Australian researchers explain why some women's bacterial vaginosis keeps
Australian researchers identified two distinct causes of recurrent BV in women treated with antibiotics. One was persistence of infection. The other was re-infection.
Melbourne scientists studied 188 couples. About 20% of women still got bacterial vaginosis after treatment with their partners.
The study was published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health. It found two different pathways.
Some women's infections persisted despite treatment. Others were re-infected by partners.
About two-thirds of women cleared the infection completely after treatment. The other third still had bacteria that remained.
These women were nearly three times more likely to get BV again within four weeks. Women using intrauterine devices were also more likely to have persistent infections.
The researchers plan to test longer treatment periods and try multiple antibiotics to improve cure rates.
- 188 couples
- Study size
- About 20%
- Women still infected
- About two-thirds
- Cleared infection
- Nearly 3x within 4 weeks
- Recurrence risk increase
Why it mattersUnderstanding why treatment fails could help doctors develop more effective strategies. This would reduce repeated antibiotic courses for women.
AustraliaThis Australian research may lead to improved BV treatment options for Australian women and those globally.
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