ANALYSIS OF BODY MASS INDEX AND VAGINAL MICROBIOTA IN REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN

Abstract

Introduction: The balance of vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining women's reproductive health. Changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) can affect the composition of the vaginal microbiota.
Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between BMI and vaginal microbiota diversity in healthy reproductive-age women.
Methods: This is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Polyclinic of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital and its network hospitals in Makassar. The sample consisted of 50 women aged 18-44 with normal and overweight BMI, selected using consecutive sampling. Microbiota profiles were analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Results: The results showed that Lactobacillus dominated the vaginal microbiota in both groups, with a higher abundance observed in the overweight-obese group. Additionally, pathogenic genera such as Megasphaera, Dialister, Sneathia, and Veillonella were found more frequently in the overweight-obese group compared to the normal BMI group. Diversity analysis showed higher Shannon and Simpson indices in the overweight-obese group, reflecting greater microbiota diversity.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that although there is an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria in the overweight-obese group, the presence of abundant Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal microbiota balance and inhibiting pathogen growth, thus ensuring that the subjects remain healthy without symptoms of infection.