Correlation of subclinical HPV infection with genital warts and cervical erosion

To investigate the correlation of subclinical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (SPI) with genital warts and cervical erosion.

The questionnaire was firstly conducted in experimental groups (genital warts + cervical erosion), and then cervical liquid-based cytology was performed, followed by colposcopy and pathological diagnosis. In the control group, cervical liquid-based cytology and pathological diagnosis were performed. Hybrid Capture 2 assay (HC2) was conducted to detect the cervical high-risk HPV DNA.

The positive rate of cervical SPI in experimental groups were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.01), and in the genital warts group it was significantly higher than cervical erosion group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference of SPI positive rate for cervical erosion with different area and degree (p > 0.05). Compared to control group, the detection rates of cervical high-risk HPV DNA in the experimental groups significantly increased (p < 0.01), and the difference between vulvar condyloma and cervical erosion groups was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). The detection rate of high-risk HPV DNA in positive SPI cases was significantly higher than negative SPI cases.

Women with genital warts and cervical erosion are high-risk individuals for cervical cancer, and deserve a focused initial and follow-up management.