Identification of Multiple High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections in a Rural Population of Canatlan, Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequent etiological agent driving development of cervical cancer (CC); therefore typing and classifying the status of these infections are of great importance for treatment. The frequency of the various HPV types may change in relation to low-grade lesions and have the potential to cause more severe lesions. The purpose of this study was the identification and typing of HPV in a rural population in Mexico. Methods: Detection and typing were determined by PCR-RFLPs and confirmed by viral DNA sequencing. Results: HPV was detected in 17.28% of the samples, this was 3.58% higher than had been determined in a rural population in Central Mexico. Viral types 16, 18 and 52 were found most frequently. Analysis of all HPV-positive samples revealed that 14.3% had a single infection; 57.1% had a double infection; and 28.6% had a triple infection. Thus, 85.7% of positive cases presented with multiple infections with HPV16 being the most prevalent. Only the lifetime number of sexual partners was found to have an association with the colposcopic diagnoses (OR = 7.08; 95% CI: 1.68-29.8; p > 0.008). Conclusion: A higher frequency of multiple HPV infections was found among our test population compared to other rural populations in Durango and Central Mexico. HPV type 16 was the most frequent infection.