Vaeinal microbiota in war-affected Ukrainian women

Abstract

ntroduction: This study aims to investigate the state of the vaginal microbiota and the effectiveness of its correction in women with benign uterine tumors who are under the influence of stress factors caused by the armed conflict in Ukraine. Material and methods: Bacteriological studies were conducted to assess the species and quantitative composition of the vaginal microflora in women. The research groups consisted of women who had been in the combat zone (30 women) and women who were under the influence of the armed conflict's factors (Kyiv city and Kyiv region) (30 women). Results: The results indicate a significant deficiency of Lactobacillus spp. in all groups of women, ac- companied by excessive growth of conditionally pathogenic facultative anaerobic and obligate anaerobic microorganisms. The most pronounced dysbiotic changes were observed in women of Group I, who experienced the most intense and prolonged stress. Conclusion: The findings suggest that chronic psychosocial stress is not only a trigger for dysbiosis but also a factor that modulates the effectiveness of treatment. This points to the need for developing integrated ther- apeutic approaches that combine antimicrobial therapy with measures to reduce psychoemotional stress.