Determination and evaluation of HR-HPV genotype in different communities of Bihar, India

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated uteri cervix carcinoma continues to be the 2^nd highest cause of death among women in India. This study aims to identify the mode of HPV transmission in different communities such as Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Banjaran women of Bihar, India. Different patterns of life and cultural variations exist among Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Banjarans. For example, Muslim wash their genital parts after urination and maintain genital hygiene, whereas Banjaran tribes, Christians, and Hindu communities do not maintain hygiene. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection among healthy women. We access to genuine reason for the cause of HPV transmission in women.

Ethical clearance was obtained from MCS and RC Patna, India. A total 154 urine samples have been used for the detection of HR-HPV through a real-time PCR technique. The DNA extraction was done from collected non-invasive urine samples. The estimation and purification of DNA purity was performed by QuantiFluor^® dsDNA system and detected HPV-16 and HPV-18.

Overall, the prevalence of HR-HPV infection was detected to be 12.34% (19/154) whereas HPV-16 was found to be 9.9% (14/154) and HPV-18 was found to be 3.25% (5/154) in women. The lowest (2%; 1/50) prevalence of HR-HPV was observed in the Muslim community, while higher (25%, 16%, and 14.71%) prevalence was found in the Banjaran, Christian, and Hindu communities, respectively.

Our study indicates that personal hygiene possibly reduces HPV infection in women and the evidence suggests that male circumcision has a protective role of HPV infection in Muslim community. Therefore, personal hygiene and circumcision may reduce the risk of HPV acquisition and transmission as well as cervical cancer development in women.