Longitudinal qPCR study of the dynamics of L. crispatus, L. iners, A. vaginae, (sialidase positive) G. vaginalis, and P. bivia in the vagina.

Background: To obtain more detailed understanding of the causes of disturbance of the vaginal microflora (VMF), a longitudinal study was carried out for 17 women during two menstrual cycles.

Methods: Vaginal swabs were obtained daily from 17 non-pregnant, menarchal volunteers. For each woman, Gram stains were scored, the quantitative changes of 5 key vaginal species, i.

Longitudinal study of the dynamics of vaginal microflora during two consecutive menstrual cycles.

Background: Although the vaginal microflora (VMF) has been well studied, information on the fluctuation of the different bacterial species throughout the menstrual cycle and the information on events preceding the presence of disturbed VMF is still very limited. Documenting the dynamics of the VMF during the menstrual cycle might provide better insights. In this study, we assessed the presence of different Lactobacillus species in relation to the BV associated species during the menstrual cycle, assessed the influence of the menstrual cycle on the different categories of vaginal microflora and assessed possible causes, such as menstruation and sexual intercourse, of VMF disturbance.

A pilot study evaluating the safety of vaginal administration of a multi-particulate pellet formulation.

Aim: Quantitative evaluation of the effect caused by vaginal administration of gelatin capsules loaded with starch pellets and lyophilized powder, respectively, on vaginal pH and microflora.

Method: Administration of gelatin capsules loaded with fast-disintegrating starch pellets (group P) or lyophilized lactose/skimmed milk (group L) was compared to no intervention (group C) in a 3-way randomized, double-blinded, parallel study with 18 volunteers. Follow-up visits were at day 6 (immediately after administration), day 14 (pill stop), day 22 (after withdrawal bleeding) and day 35 (midcycle).