Human papillomavirus affects cervical lesions by regulating the community structure of vaginal flora

Abstract

Abstract Background Continuous infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is closely related to cervical lesions. Vaginal flora is involved in pathogen infection and female reproductive tract health, and it is very important to maintain the balance and stability of vaginal microecology. However, the association of vaginal flora and HPV infection has not been completely illuminated. Methods Forty patient samples were collected and divided into HPVN, HPN, HPL and HPH groups according to HPV infection and pathological conditions. Vaginal flora of patients with different pathological conditions was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing, and the changes of vaginal flora in 4 groups were analyzed. Results The sequencing results showed that at the phylum level, Firmicutes was the main vaginal flora in HPVN, HPN and HPL groups, while Actinobacteria was the main vaginal flora in HPH group. At genus level, Lactobacillus was the main vaginal flora in HPL group, while Lactobacillus and Gardenerella were the main vaginal flora in other groups. Compared with other groups, the community diversity and richness of HPH group were significantly higher. Referring to the species differences of vaginal flora between HPL and HPH groups, Lactobacillus was the dominant population in HPL group, while Bifidobacteriaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were abundant in HPH group. Besides, energy metabolism of flora in HPL group was mainly pH regulation and mucosal formation, while the energy metabolism in HPH group was mainly glucose metabolism. Conclusions Regardless of the patient’s pathological condition, the abundance and diversity of vaginal flora in patients infected with HPV would increase. The appearance of specific microorganisms and the change of vaginal flora structure were associated with the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.