Interpretation
bacterial vaginosis
RECURRENCE, BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
The VITA trial provides robust measures of treatment response and side effects for metronidazole and lactic acid gel 2 weeks after treatment with additional, more limited, data over a 6-month time period. In the absence of an effective long-term treatment for recurrent bacterial vaginosis, these findings will help women with bacterial vaginosis and their clinicians make informed decisions about therapy, taking account of women’s individual preferences.The VITA trial indicates that there is a higher initial clinical response to metronidazole than lactic acid gel but that recurrence of bacterial vaginosis following either treatment is common. For some women, oral metronidazole may be favoured because of its higher short-term efficacy. However, others may prefer intravaginal lactic acid gel if ease of use, avoiding antibiotic side effects and resistance, or access to treatment without medical prescription are of greater importance.