Amoxycillin, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid and metronidazole in the treatment of clue cell-positive discharge. A comparative clinical and laboratory study

Abstract

In an open study, 30 women with clue cell-positive discharge (CCPD) were treated for seven days with either amoxycillin, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid or metronidazole (ten in each group). Patients were monitored on days 2, 4, 9 and 15. Clinical and microscopical parameters were used to assess treatment efficacy. Gas-liquid chromatography of vaginal secretions was also performed. The succinate-lactate ratio had good correlation with the clinical findings. All patients treated with metronidazole were cured by day 4, suggesting that a three-day course is as effective as the standard seven-day regimen. Treatment with amoxycillin-clavulanic acid was less effective resulting in the cure of seven patients by day 15. Amoxycillin established normal secretions in only four patients. Gastro-intestinal complaints, although common in patients treated with amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, were generally mild. We consider amoxycillin-clavulanic acid a possible alternative in the treatment of CCPD.