ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VAGINAL MICROBIOTA AND HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS PERSISTENCE

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Background. Persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is a key factor in the development of cervical neoplasia (Curty et al., 2019). The state of local immunity and vaginal microbiota plays an important role in this process (Younes et al., 2018). Disturbances in the vaginal microbiocenosis are considered a potential co-factor promoting prolonged viral presence (Borgdorf et al., 2016; Holly et al., 2017); however, the specificity of these changes across different HPV genotypes remains a subject of debate. Methods. A clinical and laboratory examination of reproductive-age patients was conducted. HPV status was determined using real-time PCR (Cobas HPV Test). The state of vaginal microbiota was assessed by microscopy (evaluating the presence of Lactobacillus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus spp.). Results. A statistically significant association was established between the presence of high-risk HPV types (16 and 18) and vaginal microbiocenosis disturbances. The frequency of bacterial vaginosis was significantly higher in the group of women with HPV type 16 compared to HPV-negative patients. Conversely, the majority of women in the control group exhibited normocenosis dominated by lactobacilli. The data suggest that vaginal dysbiosis is more frequently observed in women with viral persistence, creating an unfavorable background for pathogen elimination. Сonclusions. A strong correlation was found between infection with high-risk HPV and dysbiotic changes in vaginal microbiota. Monitoring and correction of the microbiota state may be an essential component in the management of patients with papillomavirus infection.