Abstract

Background: Vaginal microflora plays an important role in cervical carcinogenesis. An increase in vaginal pH is associated with the severity of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and a decrease in the number of lactobacilli. Microbial dysbiosis contributes to the damage of the epithelial barrier, as well as the reprogramming of immune and metabolic signaling. Dysbiotic bacteria cause damage to the epithelial barrier, immune dysregulation and genotoxicity and create a tumor-permissive microenvironment. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of risk factors (abnormal colposcopic and microbiological status, elevated pH of the vaginal environment) in regular Pap tests and LSIL. Methods: Retrospective prospective study 2021-2022. 90 women with pap smears were analyzed: 40 with LSIL at the Gynecological Center “Dr. Mahira Jahić” Tuzla and 50 with normal findings at the Tesanj Health Center. General data such as: age of the subjects, reproductive status, contraception, smoking and data on colposcopic examination, microbiological findings and vaginal pH value were analyzed. Statistical data processing was done in the SPSS program. Results: The average age of the test subjects is 39.94, in normal Pap 41.20 years, and in LSIL 38.38 years. The vital characteristics of the subjects did not differ significantly, except for smoking, where in LSIL findings, they consumed cigarettes significantly more often. Abnormal colposcopic examination were found in 85% (N-34) of women with LSIL. In subjects with LSIL, a positive microbiological test for enterobacteria was found in 47.5% (N-19) and a normal pap test in 12% (N-6). Statistically significant difference p=0.00523 p

Key words: LSIL, E.faecalis, pH of the vaginal environment, microflora.