This randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus crispatus M247 (CRISPACT®) in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) in women. The study will enroll 130 adult female participants with a history of recurrent UTIs, defined as ≥3 episodes in the past year or ≥2 episodes in the past six months. Participants will be randomized into two groups: the Probiotic Group, receiving iNatal-duo® (containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Enterococcus faecium L3) for 30 days, plus CRISPACT® (Lactobacillus crispatus M247) for 90 days; and the Control Group, receiving iNatal-duo® alone for 30 days without additional probiotic supplementation. The primary outcome is a reduction in the frequency and severity of rUTIs over 12 months, while secondary outcomes include symptom improvement, impact on quality of life, and safety assessments.
Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) represent a significant public health issue, disproportionately affecting women with hormonal fluctuations, sexual activity-related risks, or previous antibiotic use. Standard treatment involves antibiotic therapy, which, while effective, contributes to antimicrobial resistance, gut microbiota imbalances, and increased recurrence risk. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus crispatus, have been shown to restore vaginal microbiota balance, prevent uropathogen overgrowth, and reduce the likelihood of rUTIs. This study aims to assess whether CRISPACT® (Lactobacillus crispatus M247), administered orally and vaginally, provides superior protection against rUTIs compared to standard care with iNatal-duo® alone. The study will follow a randomized, controlled design with 130 participants divided into two arms. The Probiotic Group will receive iNatal-duo® for 30 days, combined with CRISPACT® (Lactobacillus crispatus M247) for 90 days, while the Control Group will receive iNatal-duo® alone for 30 days without additional probiotic supplementation. The primary objective is to evaluate the reduction in UTI recurrence over 12 months, measured through clinical diagnoses and patient-reported data. Secondary objectives include evaluating symptom relief, patient-reported quality of life improvements (EQ-5D, King's Health Questionnaire), and the safety and tolerability of probiotic therapy. The study seeks to provide scientific evidence for integrating probiotics into rUTI prevention strategies, reducing antibiotic dependence, and improving women's urogenital health.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
130
CRISPACT® (Lactobacillus crispatus M247), Pharmextracta, S.p.A
iNatal-duo®, PharmExtracta S.p.A
Medicine & Technological Innovation Dept. University of Insubria
Varese, Italy
Change in Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (rUTIs)
The primary outcome will assess the recurrence rate of urinary tract infections over 12 months in participants receiving CRISPACT® (Lactobacillus crispatus M247) + iNatal-duo® compared to those receiving iNatal-duo® alone. A lower recurrence rate in the intervention group will indicate efficacy in preventing rUTIs.
Time frame: 12 months
Change in Vaginal Microbiota Composition
This outcome will evaluate shifts in vaginal microbiota composition, particularly the prevalence of Lactobacillus crispatus, before and after intervention.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 12 months
Change in Antibiotic Use for UTIs
The number of antibiotic courses required to manage rUTIs will be recorded, comparing the probiotic intervention group to the control group.
Time frame: 12 months
Change in urinary discomfort
Assessment tool: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scale: 0 = No discomfort, 10 = Worst imaginable discomfort
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months
Change in pain severity
Assessment tool: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scale: 0 = No pain, 10 = Worst imaginable pain
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months
Change in overall well-being
Assessment tool: SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months
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