Distribution of High-risk Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Cervical Secretions in Punjab

To determine the high risk-human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) prevalence, genotype distribution, and associated risk factors in women with general gynaecological problems.

Descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Lady Wallingdon Hospital, Lahore from August 2018 to May 2019.

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.

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).

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. Key Words: Cancer of cervix, Human papillomavirus, Papanicolaou test, Pakistan.