What is the recommended treatment for bacterial vaginosis?

• A. Clindamycin
• B. Metronidazole
• C. Fluconazole
• D. Oral contraceptive pills

Answer: (B)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria of the vagina. The recommended treatments for BV focus on restoring the healthy bacterial flora. Metronidazole is a first-line treatment, either in oral or topical forms, effectively targeting the anaerobic bacteria that contribute to the condition.

In clinical practice, metronidazole is often preferred because it has a well-established efficacy profile and is generally well-tolerated. It specifically disrupts bacterial DNA and inhibits protein synthesis, thereby combating the bacterial overgrowth characteristic of BV.

Clindamycin is also effective but has a higher rate of side effects compared to metronidazole, particularly in its oral form. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication and is utilized for conditions such as vaginal candidiasis, not for bacterial vaginosis. Oral contraceptive pills are unrelated to the treatment of BV and do not address the bacterial imbalance involved in the condition. Therefore, metronidazole stands out as the most suitable and widely recommended option for treating bacterial vaginosis.