Vaginal Microbiota and Its Influence on the Persistence of Human Papillomavirus, Precancerous and Cancerous Diseases of Reproductive Organs

Aim. To analyze the literature data on the relationship between the vaginal microbiota and gynecological diseases, including HPV-associated diseases. Key points. The vaginal microbiota is key factor influencing women’s reproductive health. In a healthy vaginal microbiota, lactobacilli dominate, not only preventing the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms but also helping to maintain the integrity of the vaginal and cervical mucosa. Conclusion. A shift in the vaginal microbiota toward increasing of pathogenic microorganisms leads to dysbiosis, which may contribute to inflammation, increased risk of infection, persistence of HPV, and the development of precancerous conditions and gynecological cancers. Keywords: microbiota, dysbiosis, human papillomavirus, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing.