For the one in three women ages 14-49 who develop a vaginal bacterial imbalance during their lifetime known as bacterial vaginosis (BV), treatment can feel like a guessing game. For more than half of those prescribed the standard antibiotic, metronidazole, it doesn’t work. The result is often a frustrating cycle of recurring symptoms and escalating side effects.
Now, Drexel researchers have developed a DNA-based PCR lab test that could take the guesswork out of treatment. By identifying specific strains of bacteria that are resistant to metronidazole, the test can guide clinicians toward more effective options — such as clindamycin, which the team found to be effective against even the most resistant strains.
“If this test becomes available to patients, they can avoid taking the wrong antibiotic, avoiding additional potential side effects and financial costs,” says lead author Katherine Innamorati, an instructor in the College of Medicine. “Faster treatment and better antibiotic stewardship is especially important for patients who may need to take multiple courses of antibiotics to fully eliminate the infection.”
A commercial lab and patient demand would provide the momentum to bring the test to market. The researchers have filed for a patent and are working to expand the test to detect low-resistance strains and pinpoint the genes behind resistance. DM
