Probiotic May Reduce Rate of Recurrent UTIs in Women

US Pharm. 2011;36(5):14. 

Seattle, Washington—A trial conducted at the University of Washington found that replenishing Lactobacillus crispatus—a depletion of which is associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs)—may be beneficial for recurrent UTIs. In the trial, 100 women with a history of recurrent UTIs received antibiotics for acute UTIs, after which they were randomized to receive either an L crispatus intravaginal suppository probiotic or placebo for 5 days, then once weekly for 10 weeks. Seven of the 50 patients taking the probiotic had at least one UTI, versus 13 in the placebo group. Study author Ann Stapleton, MD, noted: “Larger efficacy trials of this novel preventive method for recurrent urinary tract infections are warranted to determine if use of vaginal Lactobacillus could replace long-term antimicrobial preventive treatments.”