Comparative Evaluation of Ofloxacin and Metronidazole in the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis

Background and Objectives: The epidemiology and etiology of bacterial vaginosis is poorly understood. Many antimicrobial agents have been studied and suggested as treatment alternatives for this infection. Fluoroquinolones have in vitro activity against some of the organisms associated with bacteria...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sexually transmitted diseases 1993-09, Vol.20 (5), p.262-264
Main Authors: COVINO, JEAN M., BLACK, JOHN R., CUMMINGS, MARINELLA, ZWICKL, BETH, McCORMACK, WILLIAM M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Antibacterial agents
Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents
Bacteria
Biological and medical sciences
Double-Blind Method
Drug therapy
Female
Humans
Medical research
Medical sciences
Metronidazole - therapeutic use
Ofloxacin - therapeutic use
Original Articles
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Sexually transmitted diseases
STD
Treatment Outcome
Vaginosis, Bacterial - drug therapy
Women
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Summary:Background and Objectives: The epidemiology and etiology of bacterial vaginosis is poorly understood. Many antimicrobial agents have been studied and suggested as treatment alternatives for this infection. Fluoroquinolones have in vitro activity against some of the organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis and may provide another treatment option. Study Design: Women who presented with symptomatic bacterial vaginosis were randomly assigned to receive either oral ofloxacin 300 mg twice a day or oral metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for seven days. Twenty-seven of the 31 patients who were enrolled in this double-blinded study were evaluable. Results: Fourteen women received ofloxacin. At follow-up, four had no residual symptoms, seven noted a reduction in symptoms, and three had no change in symptoms. Eight (57%) of the 14 women who received ofloxacin had secretions at follow-up that satisfied the criteria for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Thirteen women received metronidazole. Nine had no residual symptoms and four noted a reduction in symptoms. Eleven (85%) of the 13 women had normal vaginal secretions and two (15%) had secretions that were improved. None of the women who received metronidazole had secretions at follow-up that met the criteria for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: We conclude that ofloxacin is less effective than metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
ISSN:0148-5717
1537-4521
DOI:10.1097/00007435-199309000-00004