The FLIP-1 Study: Vaginal Lactobacillus Supplementation in Women at High Risk of Preterm Birth

Feasibility, Safety, Tolerance and Assessment of LACTIN-V Use in a Cohort of Pregnant Women at Risk of Preterm Birth

Preterm birth (PTB) is the primary cause of infant death worldwide. It has been shown that a vaginal microbiota deplete in Lactobacillus species is a risk factor for preterm labour. Conversely a vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus appears to be protective for these adverse outcomes. A wide range of 'over the counter' Lactobacillus spp. containing products targeted at 'vaginal health' and formulated for vaginal administration are available, but most of them do not contain vaginal species of Lactobacillus. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether vaginal supplementation with L. crispatus CTV-05 is associated with colonisation.

Pregnant women at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital and St Mary's Hospital London who are defined as being at a higher than background risk for preterm labour will be recruited into this study. Women at risk of pre-term labour will include those with either previous LLETZ, previous preterm birth, previous second trimester pregnancy loss or a combination of these indications.

As part of this interventional study, subjects will be offered supplementation with L. crispatus CTV-05. The preparation of LACTIN-V is administered vaginally using a specially designed applicator.

The primary aim of this study is to determine whether vaginal supplementation with L. crispatus CTV-05 is associated with colonisation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women at risk of preterm labour
• Women referred to the prematurity clinic
• Women with previous LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone)
• Women with previous preterm birth
• Women with previous second trimester loss

Exclusion Criteria:

• HIV positive women
• Women who are unable to provide informed consent
• Women aged <18
• Women receiving antibiotic treatment within 1 week of recruitment