The Effect of Probiotics on the Clearance of the Human Papillomavirus and on Cytological Lesions Caused by the Virus

Aim: In this project proposition the investigators would like to examine the effect of immune modulation by probiotics on the clearance of HPV-infections.

This study provides a model for viral infection but also for cancer precursors. This would be an excellent model (and the only possible short-term model) to examine an effect on cancer precursors. Cancer precursors (cytological abnormalities such as L-SIL) are a scientifically accepted surrogate endpoint for cervical cancer, for example in HPV-vaccine studies.

Research question: Does daily intake of probiotics lead to a better immune-response in HPV-infected women, i.e. does it facilitate clearance of the virus and/or regression of cytological lesions?

Inclusion Criteria:

• women with a new LSIL diagnosis an HPV positivity on PAP smear

Exclusion Criteria:

• women over 65
• immunocompromised patients (because of disease or drugs)