Prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes in female patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Drug modulating therapies (DMTs), a common MS treatment, are proposed to increase infection risks, including human papillomavirus (HPV). This study investigates HPV prevalence and genotype distribution among female MS patients receiving immunomodulatory therapy, compared to healthy controls.

This cross-sectional study enrolled sexually active women with MS aged 18-45 years from Our MS Center in Tehran, Iran, between November 2022 and December 2023. Participants were matched with healthy controls of the same age and sex. Data covered demographics, medical history, MS diagnosis, Disability Status, and HPV risk factors. Cervical swabs were used to obtain HPV DNA, genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software.

The study included 50 female MS patients and 50 matched healthy controls. HPV prevalence was 22.0 % among MS patients and 16.0 % among controls, with no significant difference (P = 0.444). Various HPV genotypes were detected, with no significant variations between groups. HPV-positive MS patients were generally younger, but there were no significant differences in other baseline characteristics, disease course, or treatment status compared to HPV-negative patients.

The study found no significant differences in HPV prevalence or genotype distribution between female MS patients on immunosuppressive therapy and healthy controls. These findings highlight the need for larger, long-term studies to explore the relationship between HPV infection and MS, and the potential benefits of HPV vaccination in this population. Future research should consider geographic and ethnic variations.