Biocenosis of the vagina and modern approaches to the correction of vaginal dysbiosis (Literature review)

In the modern world it is important to understand the interaction of macro- and microorganisms in normal conditions and during illness. It is the biotope of the vagina that plays an extremely important role in a woman’s organism and it reflects the general state of woman’s health. Urogenital endogenous microflora is not static, it is a constantly changing macropopulation. In this population the number of specific types of microorganisms fluctuates within the limits of changes in the conditions of their environment. The microflora of the vagina changes during different periods of a woman’s life, namely during perinatal, late neonatal, prepubertal, pubertal, reproductive and postmenopausal periods, as well as the menstrual cycle, daily and hourly. The ability of commensal microorganisms to protect the region from the invasion of their own microflora from other cavities and the microflora of the sexual partner is unique. Considering the general global trend towards the increase in prevalence, virulence and resistance of microorganisms to traditional methods of antiseptic therapy, as well as the appearance of new types of microorganisms, a steady trend towards an increase in infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, is determined. Dysbiosis is considered qualitative and quantitative violations of the corresponding biotope of the normal flora. According to official statistics, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis is 10-35% among all patients with pathological vaginal discharge. The variability of the vaginal microbiome is widely studied in the world and depends on many factors, namely the hormonal background of a woman’s organism, her diet, the characteristics of urination and defecation, menstruation, hygienic procedures and infections. One of the key links in the pathogenesis of vaginal infectious diseases is the ability of bacteria to form biofilms, which are microbial associations. Infections caused by film-forming strains of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms are characterized by an atypical course, insufficient effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, and often transition to a chronic form or carriage. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of formation, structure and regulation of vital activities of biofilms helps in solving problems related to human health. The World Health Organization recommends evaluating the vaginal microbiome according to the Hay – Ison criteria. Determining the pH of vaginal secretions also helps to establish the type of vaginal dysbiosis. Clinical therapy includes two main stages of treatment: antiseptic measures and restoration of one’s own vaginal microbiome. Often, these two stages of therapy are carried out simultaneously. Correcting the pH of the vaginal secretion is also important.