Genital tract infections among women in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

   Introduction. Infections affecting reproductive health remain a global social problem that has a negative impact on women's health, especially when left untreated.

   Objective. To assess the frequency of detection of genital pathogens DNA and socio-behavioral characteristics in women living in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

   Materials and methods. Vaginal mucosal secretion samples from 334 women aged 18–65 who visited an obstetrician-gynecologist at State Autonomous Institution of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) «RCH № 3» in 2024–2025 were analyzed. DNA extraction and amplification were performed using reagent kits manufactured by the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology.

   Results. DNA of sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens was detected: Neisseria gonorrhoeae – in 0.2 % of samples, Chlamydia trachomatis – 3 %, Mycoplasma genitalium – 4.5 %, Simplexvirus humanalpha 1–0.6 %, and Simplexvirus humanalpha 2–4.5 %. Among vaginal microbiota disorders, the most frequently detected were: bacterial vaginosis – 23.1 % of women; Candida fungi –9.8 %; bacterial vaginosis combined with Candida fungi – 7.9 %. Statistically significantly more DNA of STI pathogens was detected in women without a regular sexual partner compared to women with a regular sexual partner (p=0.03) and in women with a history of casual sex compared to women without (p=0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of detection of STIs depending on the level of education, the presence of complaints and previously identified cases of diseases.

   Conclusion. In the study group, 11 % of women tested positive for STI pathogens, and 49 % tested positive for microorganisms associated with vaginal microflora disorders. Early detection of urogenital diseases can help prevent serious complications of the female reproductive system, which is especially important in remote areas of the Russian Federation.

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