A serological epidemiological survey of antibodies against 4 HPV subtypes in Uygur women in Xinjiang

Abstract

This study evaluated the distribution of antibodies against 4 human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes and their related factors among Uygur women in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2006 to May 2007 involving 883 Uygur women aged 17–54 years living in Yutian County. Demographic indicators, disease history, sexual behavior history, and other parameters were recorded at the interview using a questionnaire. A fluorescence detection method was used to quantify anti-HPV6, -11, -16, and -18 antibodies in venous blood serum. The rate of positive detection of any anti-HPV antibody (anti-HPV6, -11, -16, and -18) in the study population was 13.4z, and the individual positivity rates were 9.5z,2.6z,4.3z, and 0.7z, respectively. Peak rates of positivity for the anti-HPV16 antibody were found in women who were 36–40 and 46–50 years old. Seroprevalence of HPV16, which is high-risk for cervical cancer, was associated with the numbers of sexual partners. The rate of infection with high-risk HPV was low among Uygur women from rural areas, although there is a high incidence of cervical cancer in this group. Loyalty to one sexual partner decreased the risk of highrisk HPV infection. This study may provide useful reference data for the prevention and treatment of HPV and cervical cancer and for the application of HPV vaccines.