Background: In atopic dermatitis, impairment of the skin barrier function leads to increased susceptibility to environ mental particles and pollutants, thereby contributing to disease pathogenesis and complications, as well as to an increased risk of fungal skin infections. In children with atopic dermatitis, infections caused by Candida species exacerbate the dis ease and reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Candida species are common opportunistic pathogens colonizing the skin and mucosal surfaces, and more than 200 species have been described. Among these, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei are most frequently isolated from the skin, mucosa, and oral cavity. In Mongolia, studies culturing skin fungi and determining their metabolic activity and virulence factors are limited, which constituted the rationale for the present study. Aim: To determine virulence factors and selected biochemical activities of Candida species. Materials and Methods: In this study, Candida species strains cultured from clinical samples of children with atopic der matitis were used with research approval. The fungal strains preserved at –80°C were revived by culturing on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol Agar and evaluated microscopically after Gram staining. Biofilm-forming activity was determined us ing the microtiter plate method, in which cultures were grown in broth, optical density was measured using a microplate reader, and values were calculated using a standard formula. Phospholipase activity was assessed using egg yolk agar according to the method developed by Price et al. Results: Of the total cultured isolates, 54.1% (n=33) demonstrated weak biofilm-forming activity (≤ODc / ODc < ~ ≤2×ODc), while 32.79% (n=20) showed moderate biofilm-forming activity (2×ODc < ~ ≤4×ODc). Isolates exhibiting strong biofilm-forming activity (>4×ODc) accounted for 13.1% (n =8) Regarding phospholipase activity, 50% of the isolates showed strong activity, 30% showed moderate activity, 10% showed low activity, and 10% exhibited very weak activity. Conclusions 1. Virulent fungal strains capable of attaching to host cells are involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. 2. Atopic dermatitis is shown to contain fungal strains that damage host cells and are involved in the process of inva sion.

Background: Numerous international studies have established that the antibacterial activity of honey is attributed to its key components, including hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, peptides, polyphenolic compounds, high sugar content, and acidic pH. Despite the vast consumption of different types of honey in Mongolia, there is a lack of sufficient scientific evidence on their antibacterial properties, which served as the rationale for conducting this study. Aim: A study comparing the antibacterial activity of honey commonly traded in Mongolia. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using an experimental research design. Eight standard pathogenic bacterial strains were utilized: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 1706, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 700699, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, Salmonella enterica ATCC 13076, and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606. A total of 14 honey samples were selected for the study, comprising 11 samples sourced from the Uvs, Tuv, Sukhbaatar, Khentii, Dornod, Darkhan, Selenge, and Khuvsgul provinces of Mongolia, and 3 Manuka-type honey samples from Australia. The samples were serially diluted in broth using a 96-well U-bottom microtiter plate. One microliter of each bacterial suspension was added, and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 18–24 hours. Subsequently, the cultures were spread onto Mueller-Hinton agar and incubated under the same conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by evaluating bacterial growth inhibition and bactericidal activity, respectively. Result: Among the tested samples, the Manuka honey with MGO 570 and the honey collected from Tumentsogt soum in Sukhbaatar province exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against MRSA, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5% (v/v) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 25% (v/v). In contrast, the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey with UMF 5 and the honeys sourced from Tuv, Uvs, and Khalkhgol soum in Dornod province demonstrated MIC and MBC values of 25% (v/v) and 50% (v/v), respectively. The Manuka honey with MGO 30, as well as the honeys collected from Selenge, Darkhan, Sukhbaatar, Khentii, and Rashaant and Tarialan soums in Khuvsgul province, showed comparatively weaker activity against MRSA, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion 1. The antibacterial activity of natural and cultivated floral honeys was assessed by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against eight standard bacterial strains. 2. All seven natural floral honey samples exhibited measurable antibacterial effects against the tested strains, whereas some of the cultivated floral honey samples showed no observable activity against certain bacterial strains.

Background: The human head is an integrated biological structure composed of the brain, cranial bones, facial structures, neuromuscular systems, and sensory organs, all interconnected through coordinated signaling. The relationship between brain development, function, and craniofacial growth is most evident after birth, during which the head increases approximately fourfold in size before adulthood. Brain morphology and volume are associated not only with neurological disorders but also with cognitive and behavioral characteristics. For example, children with holoprosencephaly often present with varying degrees of facial anomalies, while studies have shown that adolescents with malocclusion exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological stress. With the increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it has become an essential diagnostic tool in clinical practice. MRI is particularly advantageous in pediatric populations due to the absence of ionizing radiation and its superior soft tissue contrast. Recent advances in image processing techniques have enabled comprehensive analysis of both brain structures and craniofacial morphology from a single MRI dataset, forming the basis of this study. Aim: To investigate the relationship between brain tissue volumes and maxillary hypoplasia using MRI-based voxelbased morphometry in children with neurological conditions. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with Chifeng University, as part of the project titled “Investigation of the relationship between craniofacial anomalies and brain disorders using MRI”, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed on brain MRI scans of children aged 9–11 years. Results: Among the 25 children included in the study, 17 (68%) were male. The youngest average age was observed in the maxillary hypoplasia group (8.4±0.95 years). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of MRI was lowest in the non-temporal epilepsy group (41.1±1.35) and higher in the maxillary hypoplasia group (49.6±8.22). Both epilepsy and maxillary hypoplasia groups demonstrated physiological asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres, with left parietal lobe dominance (−0.1% and −0.3 cm, respectively). Right frontal lobe dominance (+1.1%) was observed only in the epilepsy group. Conclusion Children aged 9–11 years with maxillary hypoplasia showed a reduction in both gray and white matter volumes of the brain. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting odontogenesis and emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary team-based management approach.

Background: Congenital syphilis is a serious infection transmitted from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy, potentially leading to adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or neonatal death. The global COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures have posed significant challenges not only to individuals but also to national socio-economic systems, adversely affecting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. Aim: This study aimed to compare the incidence of congenital syphilis in Mongolia during the pre-COVID-19 period (2016–2020) and the post-COVID-19 period (2021–2025). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data from all 361 registered cases of congenital syphilis between 2016 and 2025 were included in the analysis. Results: The incidence of congenital syphilis per 100,000 live births decreased from 65.8 in 2016–2020 to 34.5 in 2021–2025, representing a 47.6% reduction (RR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.42–0.66, p<0.001). Overall, 67% of cases were concentrated in Ulaanbaatar. The proportion of cases among mothers aged 15–19 years increased from 11.5% to 21.3%, and the majority of mothers had completed secondary education. Conclusion Although the incidence of congenital syphilis declined significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, 13.0% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care did not undergo serological testing. This underscores the need to strengthen surveillance and reporting systems and to implement continuous education and awareness programs, particularly targeting young women and mothers.

Background: Congenital syphilis is an infection caused by transplacental transmission of Treponema pallidum from mother to fetus and remains a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinically, it is a multisystem disease with manifestations resembling those of TORCH infections and may also occur as a co-infection with these pathogens. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 28-year-old woman with a prior history of syphilis who had been treated and followed up, presenting with preterm delivery at 31–32 weeks of gestation during her third pregnancy. The neonate subsequently died due to complications associated with a concomitant perinatal infection. Conclusion Early screening during pregnancy, appropriate follow-up, identification of reinfection, and timely treatment remain key strategies for reducing the burden of congenital syphilis.

Background: Recent international studies have demonstrated that vaginal microbiota dysbiosis is associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer. In healthy women, Lactobacillus spp. dominate the vaginal microbiota and produce lactic acid and other bioactive compounds, thereby maintaining an acidic vaginal pH and protecting against colonization by pathogenic microorganisms. A reduction in Lactobacillus spp. and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, resulting in dysbiosis, has been associated with HPV persistence as well as the progression and recurrence of cervical precancerous lesions. However, no study has compared the prevalence of Lactobacillus spp. and aerobic bacteria, or their associations, among Mongolian women diagnosed with cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer. Therefore, this study was conducted to address this gap. Aim: To compare and characterize the composition of selected vaginal microorganisms in women diagnosed with cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2026 at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center of Mongolia. A total of 275 women with histologically confirmed cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer were voluntarily enrolled after providing written informed consent. Prior to initiation, ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences at its meeting held on April 22, 2026 (Minutes No. 2026/04-28). General information, medical history, and behavioral factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Three vaginal swabs were collected from the posterior vaginal fornix. Vaginal discharge was examined, and Lactobacillus spp. and aerobic bacteria were cultured. The associations between these microbiological findings and diagnostic groups were compared across five diagnostic categories. Results: Of the 275 women enrolled, the diagnostic distribution was as follows: CIN I, 41 (14.9%); CIN II, 73 (26.5%); CIN III, 80 (29.1%); cervical carcinoma in situ (CIS), 45 (16.4%); and cervical cancer (CC), 36 (13.1%). Vaginal pH was significantly and positively correlated with the cocci count (ρ=0.346, p < 0.001), white blood cell count (ρ=0.283, p < 0.001), and AV score (ρ=0.277, p < 0.001). In contrast, the Lactobacillus count was significantly and negatively correlated with vaginal pH (ρ=−0.238, p < 0.001). When the AV score was compared across diagnostic groups, it was 2.8±1.3 in stage IIB cervical cancer and 3.67±2.3 in stage III cervical cancer (p=0.008). Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from 119 participants (43.3%), while aerobic bacteria were isolated from 103 participants (37.5%). The most frequently identified aerobic bacteria were Escherichia coli (32; 11.6%), Enterococcus faecalis (17; 6.2%), Streptococcus agalactiae (11; 4.0%), and viridans group streptococci (9; 3.3%). However, the detection rates of Lactobacillus spp. and aerobic bacteria did not differ significantly across diagnostic groups (p=0.634 and p=0.221, respectively). Conclusions Among women with cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, an increase in vaginal pH was significantly positively associated with cocci count, white blood cell count, and AV score. The higher AV scores observed in the cervical cancer group suggest that aerobic vaginitis may be associated with the progression of cervical precancerous lesions. Although the prevalence of Lactobacillus spp. and aerobic microorganisms did not differ significantly across diagnostic groups, the CC group showed a trend toward increased prevalence of aerobic microorganisms and decreased prevalence of Lactobacillus spp.

Background: In Mongolia, 7,244 new cancer cases were registered in 2023, of which 5.9% (425 cases) were cervical cancer. The prevalence of cervical cancer is 14.5 per 10,000 populations. In Ömnögovi province, 597 cancer cases were recorded in 2023, and 18.5% of them were cervical cancer. The cervical cancer screening coverage in Ömnögovi province was 45.6% in 2023. Aim: To identify the types of human papillomavirus (HPV) among women aged 30 years and above in Dalanzadgad soum. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. We included 100 women aged 30 years and above in Dalanzadgad soum. HPV genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) among women diagnosed with cervical erosion. A 44-item questionnaire was also administered to assess the risk factors for cervical cancer. Results: HPV was detected in 41% of participants, while 59% tested negative. Among the participants, 25 had one genotype, 13 had two genotypes, and 3 had three genotypes. Among the 41 women who tested positive, 49% had high-risk genotypes. A total of 20 HPV genotypes were identified, including 16 high-risk and 4 low-risk types. Of the HPV-positive women, 65.9% were married, and 58.5% had only one lifetime sexual partner. In addition, 78% of participants reported never having undergone cervical cytology screening prior to this study. Conclusion In Dalanzadgad soum, 2 out of every 5 women are at risk of HPV infection, and among those infected, 1 out of 2 carry a high-risk HPV genotype.

Background: Breastfeeding is the ideal food source for all newborns globally. Proper feeding of infants and young children promotes optimal growth and development, especially in the critical window from birth to 2 years of age. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for the first 2 years of life protects children from infection, provides an ideal source of nutrients, and is economical and safe. Objective: To assess the indicators of infant feeding practices among 0- 23 months old children. Materials and Methods: The NNS V was implemented in 21 aimags (provinces) in 4 economic regions (Central, Eastern, Khangai, Western) and the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Given the regional differences in lifestyle and nutrition status, target populations were stratified into 5 strata based on economic region and Ulaanbaatar with equal samples drawn from each stratum using a cluster-randomized sampling design [1]. The infant and young child feeding indicators assessed in the NNS V were based on the mother’s or caretaker’s report of breastfeeding and consumption of foods and fluids by the child during the day or night prior to being interviewed. Results: 83.7% of children under 2 years started breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth and though almost all children were ever breastfed (97.9%), a slightly higher percentage of girls were ever breastfed overall and within 1 hour of birth. Children 0-5 months were categorized according to whether they were exclusively breastfed or predominantly breastfed, with the former only allowing vitamins, mineral supplements, and medicine and the latter also including plain water and non-milk liquids. Among children 0-5 months of age, 58.3% were exclusively breastfed and 65.3% were predominantly breastfed, having received other liquids or foods in addition to breast milk. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was lowest in the 4th wealth index quintile (46.5%) and wealthiest quintile (54.0%) households. Conclusions Exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding practices are unacceptably low in Mongolia; 20% of newborns are not breastfed within 1 hour of birth and more than 40% of infants under 6 months of age are not exclusively breastfed and therefore, not receiving optimum nutritional and immunity benefits from breast milk. Strengthening IYCF counselling in all regions and wealth quintiles to support women to practice optimal breastfeeding, along with counselling and awareness of timely and adequate complementary feeding for children under 2 years of age, should be a top priority for public health and as it is a key strategy to reduce malnutrition in children.

Background: Oral candidiasis, which is one of the most common diseases of the mucous membrane, is carried in the mouth of about 17-75% of healthy population. And 51-74% of this healthy population is asymptomatic. However, oral candidiasis is found in 50-65% of the individuals with dentures, is found in 67% of elders over 75 years old and is found in 85% of the patients with oral cancer. The most common causative organism is C.albicans with 43.7%, less commonly C.glabrata and C.tropicalis. According to some researches, the occurrence of the oral candidiasis has been increasing continuously for last 20-30 years, and has strong tendency to consistently increase for the 21st century. Methods: Total 50 patients were participated in this study, including; the patients with full denture from Department of Prosthodontics of The Dental Center of Ulaanbaatar, and patients with evident symptoms of candidiasis from Department of Neck and Head Surgery and Department of Radiation Therapy of National Cancer Center of Mongolia. The study was carried out by descriptive study type, based on the patients’ questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory tests. Results: The oral candidiasis causing pathogen Candida was found in 100% of following patients including; the patients with full denture and the patients having head and neck radiation therapy. For the patients with full denture, Candida albicans was the most commonly implicated organism with 53%, Candida tropicalis 21% and Candida krusei 11%. For the patients with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, most common pathogen was Candida albicans with 64% and Candida tropicalis with 7%. Conclusions Main causative pathogens for the patients with full denture are C.albicans (53%), С.tropicalis (21%), and for the patients with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is C. albicans (64%). 95% of the participants who were diagnosed with oral candidiasis were resistant to Colistin and 100% sensitive to Nystatin and Miconazole.

Background: Weight at birth is a good indicator of the mother’s health and nutrition status during gestation and a child’s chances for survival, growth, long-term health, and psychosocial development. Low birth weight (defined as less than 2500 grams) poses a range of serious health risks for children. Objective: To assess the prevalence of low birth weights (LBW). Materials and Methods: The NNS V was implemented in 21 provinces (aimags) in 4 economic regions (Central, Eastern, Khangai, Western) and the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. A total of 2250 children aged 0-59 months. Given the regional differences in lifestyle and nutrition status, target populations were stratified into 5 strata based on economic region and Ulaanbaatar with equal samples drawn from each stratum using a cluster-randomized sampling design. For the selection of households in urban areas, the process involved first selecting 30 khoroos (clusters), then khesegs, and then households with a child 0-59 months of age. Ethical considerations : The survey methodology was discussed at the Scientific Committee of the Public Health Institute (recently named by National Center for Public Health) and granted the PHI Directors Order on 28th June, 2016. Ethics approval for conducting the NNS V, was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee under the Mongolian Ministry of Health. Results: Almost all (99.5%) children in the sample were weighed at birth with 5.0% weighing less than 2500 grams at birth and 12.6% weighing over 4000 grams at birth. The prevalence of low birth weight was slightly higher among girls than boys, however high birth weight was much more common in boys (15.9%) compared to girls (9.5%). Prevalence of low birth weight was highest in Western region (9.6%) and the poorest households (7.8%) while the prevalence of high birth weight was highest in Ulaanbaatar (13.8%) and wealthiest households1 (16.4%). High birth weight was more than double among children of overweight (17.5%) and obese (17.3%) mothers compared to children of normal weight (8.4%) or underweight (7.0%) mothers. Among singleton births, women <29 years of age had higher LBW rates than did those 30-39 years of age in both years, irrespective of birth order. LBW rate was more than double among mothers in kazak ethnic groups (13.8%). Conclusions The younger age of the mother was more likely to develop low birth weight, and it was twice as high among mothers in Kazak ethnic groups. Therefore, adolescents and women of reproductive age needed to improve the health education and to identify the causes and risk factors of low birth weight among mothers in Kazak ethnic groups.