Academia Open
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

Metformin Antibacterial Activity on Vaginal Isolates in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Halah Dawood Salman (Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Al Hillah)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Dec 2025

Abstract

General Background: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics continues to intensify worldwide, creating an urgent need for adjunct therapies that enhance antimicrobial efficacy. Specific Background: Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, has shown immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, yet its effects on vaginal pathogens in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain insufficiently explored. Knowledge Gap: Limited evidence exists regarding whether metformin can potentiate antibiotic activity against common vaginal bacterial isolates, particularly in PCOS patients who often exhibit reduced IL-10 levels and heightened inflammatory states. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the adjuvant antibacterial effect of metformin when combined with standard antibiotics against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from affected women. Results: Metformin enhanced antibiotic inhibition zones notably for K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, while producing a moderate but less consistent synergistic effect on E. coli. Serum IL-10 levels were significantly lower in patients than controls, confirming an underlying inflammatory imbalance. Novelty: This research provides one of the first empirical assessments of metformin’s antibacterial adjuvant role in vaginal infections among PCOS and non-PCOS women. Implications: Findings suggest metformin may serve as a promising supportive agent to strengthen antibiotic efficacy and help mitigate bacterial resistance.Highlight : Metformin enhances the antibacterial effects on K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. IL-10 is lower in PCOS patients, indicating inflammatory imbalance E. coli is the most common bacterium in vaginal infections. Keywords : Metformin, Vaginal Infection, PCOS, Antibacterial Synergy, Antibiotic Resistance

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...