A study on the relationship of cervical cancer with vaginal microbiota and trichomoniasis infection; a single center study

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer associated with infection, which is provoked by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Natural vaginal microbes, known as vaginal microbiota, play an important role in regulating vaginal pH and are therefore important in the risk of cervical cancer. Trichomoniasis vaginalis is a genital infection that reports 250 million new infections worldwide each year and can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer in the general population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cervical cancer and vaginal microbiota or trichomoniasis infection by examining several risk factors. Patients and Methods: This prospective case study was conducted from 2014 to 2018 from an educational pathology group in Isfahan, 200 samples are included in this study. The groups consist of women over 18 years old. The study group included patients with cervical cancer lesions. For participants, a questionnaire containing information about age, gender, abortion, age at first delivery, smoking or passive smoking and the result of Pap smear test (HPV, vaginal microbiota or Trichomonas) was completed. Results: Results suggested that cancerous and precancerous lesion development is not associated with parity, age at first child’s birth. However, it is statistically associated with lower vaginal microbiota, increased Trichomonas infection, old age, increased abortion rate, smoking, and the presence of HPV infection on Pap smear. Conclusion: Protection from harmful factors that affect a healthy vaginal microbiome, such as Trichomonas infections, can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.