Ecological Factors in the Formation of the Microbiocenosis of Newborns under the Mountainous Conditions of the Kyrgyz Republic

The formation of the microbiocenosis of newborns is one of the key factors of early postnatal adaptation and largely determines the child’s health status in subsequent stages of life. In the mountainous regions of the Kyrgyz Republic, this process occurs under specific environmental conditions, including chronic hypoxia, low ambient temperatures, reduced atmospheric pressure, and decreased air humidity, which may significantly influence microbial colonization in newborns. The aim of this study was to investigate the features of microbiocenosis formation in newborns living at different altitude levels, taking into account the maternal microbial profile. Materials and methods included a microbiological examination of the oropharyngeal and nasal mucosa, as well as the skin of parturient women and their newborns permanently residing in low-, mid-, and high-altitude regions of the Kyrgyz Republic. The assessment of microflora was performed based on both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of microorganisms. The results demonstrated that in low-altitude conditions, the microbiological profiles of mothers and newborns generally corresponded to physiological norms. In mid-altitude areas, an increased prevalence of opportunistic microorganisms was observed, including Staphylococcus aureus, Candida krusei, and representatives of Gram-negative microflora. In high-altitude regions, maternal-to-newborn transmission of microflora was less frequent; however, quantitative indicators of microorganisms in newborns often exceeded diagnostically significant thresholds. The obtained findings confirm the significant role of environmental altitude-related factors in the formation of the microbiocenosis of newborns and substantiate the need for differentiated preventive and sanitary-hygienic measures in maternity healthcare facilities located in mountainous regions.