The Genital Microbiome of Male Partners of Women With Recurrent BV Undergoing Vaginal Microbiome Transplantation

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexMale
Age18+
SponsorHadassah Medical Organization

About this trial

There is strong observational evidence that sexual activity plays a key role in Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) acquisition and recurrence. Microbiological data support the contribution of sexual transmission to the pathogenesis of BV through the exchange of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) between sexual partners.

Although BV epidemiology strongly suggests sexual transmission, treatment of sexual partners is not recommended, based on prior treatment studies of male partners of women with recurrent BV, which showed no benefit with male treatment. Nevertheless, male condom use is highly protective against recurrent BV.

This study aims to evaluate the male-partner's genital microbiome as a potential source of BV-recurrence in women undergoing vaginal microbiota transplantation (NCT04517487), and whether disinfection can eliminate BV-associated penile microbiome.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

The subject has s female partner who participates in VMT study ( NCT04517487).

The subject is defined by the woman as her male regular partner.

Willing to use a condom as instructed by the protocol.

Willing to comply with decolonization protocol.

Disqualifiers

A known skin disease involving the penile skin.

A known sensitivity to chlorhexidine gluconate

Any of the partners (female/male) has more than one sexual partner.

Trial design

Design model

Single group

Treatments tested in this trial

  • chlorhexidine gluconate 4%

    Other intervention

    In case BV associated bacteria will be identified (using molecular sequencing) in male samples, decolonization attempt will be conducted, using a daily wash for 5 days with chlorhexidine gluconate 4%. Following decolonization attempt, male participants will undergo re- sampling, to assess for microbiome changes. In case there is no change in microbial composition, partners will be instructed to repeat decolonization protocol, and apply a 2 cm diameter volume of 2% clindamycin cream topically to the head of the penis and upper shaft (under the foreskin if uncircumcised) twice daily for seven days following repeated decolonization. Re-sampling will follow.

Treatment groups

No treatment groups listed

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Penile microbiome composition

Characterization of the penile microbial communities using shotgun analysis, and their similarity to the vaginal microbiota composition of their sexual partner.

Time frame
1 year
2

Penile microbiome composition after disinfection

Characterization of the penile microbiome composition using shotgun analysis, after disinfection protocol or antibiotic use.

Time frame
1 year

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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