Comparison of single-dose vs one-week course of metronidazole for symptomatic bacterial vaginosis
J. Swedberg, J. F. Steiner, F. Deiss, S. Steiner and D. A. Driggers
In a prospective, single-blind, randomized study, a single 2-g dose of
metronidazole was compared with a seven-day course of 500 mg given twice
daily in the treatment of symptomatic vaginal discharge associated with
Gardnerella vaginalis. Based on resolution of symptoms and on cultures
negative for G vaginalis, 86% (40/46) of women treated with the single dose
and 97% (35/36) of women treated with the seven-day course were considered
cured at seven to ten days after treatment. Evaluation at 21 days after
treatment, however, indicated that only 46% (16/34) of patients treated
with the single 2-g dose were considered cured compared with 86% (26/30) of
those treated with the seven-day course. Treatment of sexual contacts did
not significantly improve cure rates in either group.
