Human papillomavirus genotypes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: prevalence and public health implications

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are prevalent sexually transmitted infections and a leading cause of cervical and other anogenital cancers worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in Pap smear samples from women attending gynecology clinics at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between September 2022 and July 2023.

This cross-sectional study analyzed 260 samples using nested PCR and Sanger sequencing to identify HPV genotypes.

The overall HPV prevalence rate was 6.9%. (18/260, 95% CI: 3.84-10.01%). High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes 16 (33.3%), 18 (16.7%), and 58 (5.6%) were identified, along with low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) genotype 6 (33.3%). Genotypes 11 and 67 were also detected in 5.6% of cases each. Age-specific analysis revealed the highest prevalence of HPV in the 31-40 age group, at 3.5% (p = 0.04), with HPV16 being significantly more prevalent in this age group. Saudi participants exhibited a higher prevalence rate of 61.1% (11/18) than non-Saudi participants at 38.9% (7/18). Although HPV was more common in non-Saudis, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.39). Cytological findings showed that 88.9% of HPV-positive cases had negative cytology, underscoring the need for HPV screening beyond cytological abnormalities.

These findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance, targeted vaccination efforts, and improved screening programs in Saudi Arabia. Increasing awareness of HPV and enhancing vaccination rates, especially among younger age groups, could significantly reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases. Future research should focus on broader epidemiological factors and evaluate the impact of HPV vaccination programs on genotype distribution and prevalence trends.