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4 . 2021

Vaginal microbiome in women during pregnancy and postpartum period: dynamics, its link with the intestinal microflora and its influence on microbiota formation in newborns

Abstract

The paper presents a review of publications devoted to the study of the microbiome composition of the vagina and intestines in women during pregnancy and postpartum period, as well as the results of studies dealing with the mechanisms of transmission of maternal microbiota to the newborn. Our study aims at evaluating these changes and determining their role in the homeostasis of the female body, the influence on the newborn, the course of pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Results. The analysis of literature showed that the microbiome composition is dynamic and it is influenced by a number of factors. Maintaining homeostasis is possible when there is a normal symbiotic relationship between the organism and the microbiome. The inviolability of this dyad has been proven by a number of studies. Any impairment of the balance in this system leads to the growth of opportunistic flora, which in turn triggers a cascade of immunological and physiological disorders. The growing number of studies suggests that vaginal dysbiosis is associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as an increased risk of postabortion infection, early and late miscarriages, chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis, premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth.

Conclusion. The detailed study of the microbiota in pregnant women and women who have given birth, as well as the process of transmission of microorganisms from mother to a child will make it possible to identify predictors of pathological processes in pregnancy, early and late postpartum periods, and neonatal period. There will also be a chance to identify risk groups and develop algorithms for examination, prevention of infectious and inflammatory complications in pregnant women, women who have given birth and newborns. The research in this direction has been confirmed to be relevant.

Keywords:microbiota, vaginal microbiome, intestinal microbiota, opportunistic microorganisms, dysbiosis, microbial colonization

Funding. The authors received no financial support.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Contribution. Choice of research topic - A.A. Kozlova, Nikolaeva A.V.; search of literature data - Kozlova A.A., Nikolaeva A.V., Priputnevich T.V., Meshalkina I.V.; manuscript writing - AA Kozlova; writing and editing of the article - Priputnevich T.V., Baranov I.I.

For citation: Kozlova A.A., Nikolaeva A.V., Priputnevich T.V. Baranov I.I., Meshalkina I.V. Vaginal microbiome in women during pregnancy and postpartum period: dynamics, its link with the intestinal microflora and its influence on microbiota formation in newborns. Akusherstvo i ginekologiya: novosti, mneniya, obuchenie [Obstetrics and Gynecology: News, Opinions, Training]. 2021; 9 (4): 71-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33029/2303-9698-2021-9-4-71-78 (in Russian)

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CHIEF EDITORS
CHIEF EDITOR
Sukhikh Gennadii Tikhonovich
Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, V.I. Kulakov Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology National Medical Research Center of Ministry of Healthсаre of the Russian Federation, Moscow
CHIEF EDITOR
Kurtser Mark Arkadievich
Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MD, Professor, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Subdepartment of the Pediatric Department, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Scientific Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
CHIEF EDITOR
Radzinsky Viktor Evseevich
Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, MD, Professor, Head of the Subdepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a Course of Perinatology of the Medical Department in the Russian People?s Friendship University

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