Effect of Clotrimazole Suppositories on Distribution of Pathogens in Vaginal Secretions and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Vaginitis.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of clotrimazole suppositories on the distribution of vaginal pathogens and oxidative stress in patients with vaginitis.

Methods: A total of 120 patients with vaginitis were recruited from our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 and were divided into an observation group and a control group using a random envelope method. The control group received treatment with miconazole tablets alone, while the observation group received combined treatment with miconazole tablets and clotrimazole suppositories. Vaginal secretions were collected from the subjects for pathogenic microbial testing. The clinical efficacy of the patients was evaluated, and indicators related to vaginal microecology and microbial imbalance were examined. Serum levels of IL-8, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, PCT, P, LH, FSH, SOD, MDA, NO, and ET-1 were measured in the subjects.

Results: Among patients with vaginitis, bacteria, fungi, and gram-negative cocci accounted for a relatively high proportion, with bacterial infections accounting for more than 30% and fungal and gram-negative cocci infections both exceeding 10%. Pathogenic infections such as Chlamydia and Trichomonas were less than 10%. The observation group showed significantly higher clinical efficacy compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < .05). Following treatment, the observation group exhibited significantly lower scores for itching, vaginal discharge, and burning sensation compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < .05). After treatment, the observation group had significantly lower bacterial density and Nugent score, higher cleanliness, positive lactobacilli rate, and pH value compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). After treatment, the observation group demonstrated significantly lower blood levels of IL-8, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and PCT compared to the control group, with a statistical significance of P < .05. Similarly, the levels of P, LH, and FSH hormones in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, also with a statistical significance of P < .05. In contrast, the levels of SOD and NO in the observation group were significantly higher, while the levels of MDA and ET-1 were significantly lower compared to the control group, with a statistical significance of P < .05.

Conclusion: Clotrimazole suppositories have been shown to significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes for patients with vaginitis by alleviating inflammation, rebalancing vaginal microecology, regulating hormone secretion, and mitigating oxidative stress.