From the Research
A test of cure is not typically recommended after treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) with Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) in asymptomatic patients, but if follow-up testing is desired, it should be performed at least 4 weeks after completing treatment, as suggested by the most recent study 1. The recommended treatments for BV are metronidazole (oral or vaginal) or clindamycin (oral or vaginal), not Augmentin, which is not a first-line treatment for BV 2, 3, 4. If symptoms persist after treatment, reassessment should occur after completing the full course of antibiotics, usually 7 days for metronidazole or clindamycin. The 4-week waiting period for testing is important because testing too early may detect residual bacterial DNA rather than active infection, potentially leading to false positive results. BV has a high recurrence rate (about 50% within 12 months), so persistent symptoms may indicate either treatment failure or reinfection rather than initial treatment failure 5, 3. Some studies suggest that combining antibiotics with probiotics may be a promising method for reducing the recurrence rate and relieving symptoms of BV 1. Key points to consider when treating BV include:
- Using recommended first-line treatments such as metronidazole or clindamycin
- Completing the full course of antibiotics
- Waiting at least 4 weeks after completing treatment before performing a test of cure
- Considering combination therapy with probiotics to reduce recurrence rates.