Genotypic characterization of HPV serotypes in cervical samples from Indian women: a multi centric study

Human papilloma virus (HPV infection) plays a important role in causing cervical cancer. Out of 184 different HPV genotypes, 40 diverse types only can cause anogenital infection. HPV present in >99% of cervical cancers with high risk types (16, 18) associated with cancer and Low risk types (6, 11) are associated with genital warts. Aim of the study is to determine the epidemiology of HPV infection in Indian women's population. Three hundred and thirty four liquid based cytology (LBC) samples were collected across India from the different age groups of Indian women. Pap smear, PCR and gene sequencing tests were performed for the collected LBC samples. Low risk serotype 6 (16.7%) were detected compared to other high risk serotypes. Majority of positive cases were observed in the age group between 19 and 39 groups. Northern part of India contributes high (7.1%) in HPV infection compared to other regions of India. Reports from these studies covered few regions of India showing a wide range in the prevalence of HPV infection and serotype distribution due to diversified socio economic and geo climatic conditions. This study aims to identify the epidemiology of HPV in the Indian population and concludes that early and periodic screening of women for HPV can avoid the risk of cervical cancer at the early stage of infection.