The role of josamycin in the treatment of the lower genital tract inflammation in women
Apolikhina I.A., Tarnaeva L.A.
Inflammatory diseases of the lower female genital tract, including cervicitis and vaginitis, are among the most common causes for seeking medical attention from a gynecologist. These conditions can lead to severe complications, such as pelvic inflammatory diseases, infertility, miscarriage, and cervical neoplasia. These diseases are multifactorial in their origin: the causative agents are aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as intracellular pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Ureaplasma spp. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in antibiotic resistance, especially in intracellular microorganisms. This resistance complicates therapy and leads to the need for alternative antibacterial strategies.
Josamycin is one of the few macrolides that have high activity against M. genitalium, Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis. It also has a favorable safety profile and can be used by pregnant women. The medication has been proven effective in treating chlamydia, mycoplasma, and mixed infections of the vagina and cervix, making it a popular choice for use in daily outpatient care. In 2025, the Russian generic of josamycin, Josafen, was registered and entered the pharmaceutical market. It is identical in all respects to the original medication and it is available in the form of a dispersible tablet. This form increases treatment adherence, provides predictable therapeutic effects, and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.
Conclusion: Josamycin (Josafen) plays an important role in modern gynecological practice as an effective and safe treatment for nonspecific cervicitis and vaginitis in reproductive-aged women and pregnant women as well. Its use makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of therapy, reduce the risk of relapses and improve reproductive outcomes.
Authors’ contributions: Apolikhina I.A. – developing the concept and design of the study, editing the text; Tarnaeva L.A. – collecting and processing the materials, writing the text.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Funding: The study was conducted without sponsorship.
For citation: Apolikhina I.A., Tarnaeva L.A. The role of josamycin in
the treatment of the lower genital tract inflammation in women.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2025; (9): 168-174 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2025.236
Keywords
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Received 25.08.2025
Accepted 09.09.2025
About the Authors
Inna A. Apolikhina, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, V.I. Kulakov NMRC for OG&P, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4; Professor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology, and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, I.M. Sechenov First MSMU, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), 119048, Russia, Moscow, Trubetskaya str., 8-2, apolikhina@inbox.ru,https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4581-6295
Liana A. Tarnaeva, obstetrician-gynecologist, PhD student at the Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, V.I. Kulakov NMRC for OG&P, Ministry of Health
of Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4, +7(915)112-77-52, li.tarnaeva@ya.ru, https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7500-7516