Distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes in cervical secretions in punjab

Abstract

Objective: To determine the high risk-human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) prevalence, genotype distribution, and associated risk factors in women with general gynaecological problems. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Lady Wallingdon Hospital, Lahore from August 2018 to May 2019. Methodology: One hundred females with general gynaecological problems constituted the sample. Real-Time polymerase chain reaction and liquid base cytology were performed for HR-HPV detection, genotyping, and cytological changes in cervical samples. Results: The overall prevalence of HR-HPV was found to be 57%, with the most frequent HR-HPV genotypes HPV 16 (18%), HPV 18 (6%), and HPV 45 (1%). The total prevalence of single HR-HPV infection was 25%; whereas, multiple co-infection of HR-HPV was seen in 32% of cases. In total, 81% of these women had normal cytology and 19% had cytologic abnormalities. A significant association was observed between HR-HPV infection and general gynaecological complaints and between HR-HPV infection and cytological abnormalities (p 0.001). Conclusion: The HR-HPV prevalence was 57% with the most prevalent genotypes were HPV 16 and HPV 18. The results will also aid the identification of HR-HPV 51 and 31 genotypes, which should be added in the multi-Type HPV vaccines.