Evaluation of the Ability of Lactobacillus Crispatus CRP21 to Reduce the Incidence of Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis

Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21; Other: Placebo

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07474831

155_9gennaio2026_CRISPAVAG

Details and patient eligibility

About

Recurrent bacterial vaginosis is a common condition in women of reproductive age and is characterized by a disruption of the normal vaginal microbiota, with a reduction in Lactobacillus species and an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Recurrence rates after standard antibiotic treatment are high. Lactobacillus crispatus is considered one of the most protective species for maintaining vaginal microbiota balance.

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21 (Crispavag® capsules) in reducing the incidence of recurrent bacterial vaginosis in women diagnosed with recurrent bacterial vaginosis. After standard antibiotic treatment, participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the probiotic supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks.

The primary objective is to evaluate whether supplementation with Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21 reduces the incidence of recurrent bacterial vaginosis episodes compared with placebo. Participants will be followed for a total of 24 weeks, including a 12-week treatment period and a 12-week follow-up period.

Full description

This study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the probiotic Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21 in reducing the incidence of recurrent bacterial vaginosis in women diagnosed with recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a disruption of the normal vaginal microbiota, with a decrease in Lactobacillus species and an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Standard antibiotic therapies, such as metronidazole, are effective in treating acute episodes but recurrence rates remain high. Lactobacillus crispatus is strongly associated with vaginal health due to its ability to produce lactic acid and antimicrobial substances that inhibit pathogenic microorganisms.

In this study, women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with recurrent bacterial vaginosis will be enrolled. Following antibiotic treatment for the acute episode, participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21 (Crispavag® capsules) or a placebo. The investigational product will be administered orally at a dose of one capsule per day for 12 weeks.

The total duration of participation for each subject will be 24 weeks, including a 12-week treatment period and a 12-week post-treatment follow-up period. The primary outcome is the reduction in the incidence of recurrent bacterial vaginosis episodes during the study period. Secondary outcomes include time to first recurrence, changes in vaginal pH, evaluation of symptoms such as burning and itching, incidence of other genitourinary infections, treatment adherence, tolerability, and assessment of adverse events.

The study will be conducted at multiple clinical centers in Italy and aims to enroll approximately 156 participants. Results from this trial will provide evidence on the clinical effectiveness of Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21 supplementation in preventing recurrence of bacterial vaginosis.

Enrollment: 156 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female participants aged 18 to 45 years
• Diagnosis of recurrent bacterial vaginosis
• At least three documented episodes of bacterial vaginosis in the previous 12 months
• Completion of standard antibiotic therapy for bacterial vaginosis before enrollment
• Willingness to comply with study procedures and follow-up visits
• Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Current use of systemic antibiotics or antifungal therapy not related to treatment of bacterial vaginosis
• Known hypersensitivity to probiotic products or study components
• Presence of other significant gynecological infections requiring treatment
• Use of vaginal probiotic products within 30 days prior to enrollment
• Participation in another clinical trial within the previous 30 days

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Quadruple Blind

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156 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21 (Crispavag®)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive an oral probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21 (Crispavag®) following standard antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Participants take one capsule daily for 12 weeks and are followed for an additional 12 weeks to assess recurrence of bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Lactobacillus crispatus CRP21

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants receive placebo capsules identical in appearance to the probiotic product following standard antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Participants take one capsule daily for 12 weeks and are followed for an additional 12 weeks to assess recurrence of bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment:

Other: Placebo