Correlation of High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus with Deep Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Zohreh Moslehi1, Roya Derakhshan1, Shahla Chaichian1
1Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Recently, it has been suggested that microbial infections play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. One of the most commonly suggested infections associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The present study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence, types, and risk factors for HPV infection in women with endometriosis and at investigating the association of upper and lower genital tract involvement with HPV and the severity of endometriosis.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 81 patients with endometriosis, referred to Rasool Akram Medical Complex in Tehran, Iran, for laparoscopic surgery. The patients' demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were extracted from their medical records, as well as interviews. The stage of disease was scored based on the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) classification. The HPV-positive and HPV-negative cases were compared using the chi-square test for categorical variables and Student t-test for continuous variables.
Results:
Twenty (24.69%) out of 81 women with endometriosis were infected with HPV (nine cases of pelvic HPV, nine cases of vaginal HPV, and two cases of both pelvic and vaginal HPV). The HPV-infected women had a significantly lower infertility rate (15% vs. 45.9%; P = 0.014). The VAS scores for dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia were relatively the same in the two groups (P > 0.05). HPV 6 and HPV 11 were the most common types of HPV, reported in 35% and 30% of endometriosis cases, respectively.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of HPV was 24.69%, and low-risk genotypes were dominant. No significant association was found between HPV and the severity of endometriosis.
Insights
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was found in 24.69% of women with endometriosis, with low-risk types being most common. HPV infection was associated with a lower rate of infertility in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests microbial infections, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV), may contribute to endometriosis pathogenesis.
- This study investigates the role of HPV in endometriosis, focusing on prevalence, types, risk factors, and association with disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and types of HPV infection in women diagnosed with endometriosis.
- To explore potential risk factors associated with HPV infection in this cohort.
- To examine the relationship between HPV infection, genital tract involvement, and endometriosis severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 81 women with endometriosis undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
- Data collection included demographic, clinical, and anthropometric information, alongside disease staging using the rASRM classification.
- Statistical analysis employed chi-square and Student's t-tests to compare HPV-positive and negative groups.
Main Results:
- HPV infection was detected in 24.69% of the women studied (20 out of 81).
- Pelvic and vaginal HPV infections were observed, with HPV 6 and HPV 11 being the most prevalent genotypes.
- A significantly lower rate of infertility was noted in HPV-infected women compared to uninfected women (15% vs. 45.9%; P = 0.014).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of HPV in women with endometriosis is 24.69%, with a predominance of low-risk genotypes.
- No significant correlation was established between HPV infection and the severity of endometriosis.
- HPV infection may be linked to a reduced incidence of infertility among women with endometriosis.
