Features of the vaginal microbiota in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. It is known that there is a high incidence of low urinary tract infections in MS. However, information about microbiology of the genital tract in women with MS is extremely limited. Aim. To study the qualitative and quantitative composition of the vaginal microflora in patients with MS. Materials and methods. 19 patients with relapsing-remitting MS of the main group and 19 healthy women of the control group, the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora in the vaginal secretion was determined using the polymerase chain reaction method in real time (a set of reagents was used to study the biocenosis of the urogenital tract in women, Femoflor 16, DNA-Technology, Moscow), a gynecological smear from the vagina was performed. The neurological status was assessed using the EDSS scale and The questionnaire on pelvic organ function. The following statistical indicators were determined: frequency, spread, average and χ² test. Results. A status of normocenosis was observed in the majority of women with MS (14 subjects, 73.7%), Lactobacillus bacteria were found in 16 subjects (84.2%), and an increased number of facultative anaerobes was identified in 7 subjects (37.4%), there were no significant differences with the comparator group. Bacteriological examination findings from vaginal smears did not show any signs of inflammation in either group. A high incidence of vaginal infections in anamnesis was reported in women with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (16 subjects, 84.2%). Conclusion. Data on the state of the vaginal biocenosis of women with MS has been presented for the first time. It was found the preservation of normocenosis with a tendency to shift the balance towards dysbiotic processes in the vagina.