VAGINAL MICROECOLOGY IN HPV-ASSOCIATED CERVICAL DYSPLASIA

Background. Cervical cancer (CC) has become a common malignancy, significantly contributing to the rising mortality rate among women worldwide. The vaginal microenvironment plays a key role in the development of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, thereby contributing to the development of CC. Objective. To characterize the main indicators of vaginal microecology in HPV-associated cervical dysplasia. Material and methods. The study involved 102 women of reproductive age (18-49 years). The study material consisted of posterior vaginal fornix swabs and cervicovaginal secretion samples. Vaginal swabs were cultured. The vaginal microbiome was assessed based on the number of microorganisms grown. All lactobacillus isolates were assessed for their functional activity, including their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide, form biofilm, and exhibit antagonistic activity against test strains of opportunistic microorganisms. Results. In HPV-associated dysplasia, there was a significant increase in the pH of the vaginal discharge (p