Beyond HPV in Eastern Europe: Genotype Distribution, Molecular Biomarkers, Vaginal Microbiome, and Implications for...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains the principal etiological factor in cervical cancer development worldwide, with Eastern Europe continuing to demonstrate disproportionately high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates. Regional disparities in screening implementation, vaccination coverage, and HPV genotype distribution contribute substantially to the persistent burden of HPV-related disease. In recent years, increasing attention has focused on molecular biomarkers and the vaginal microbiome as complementary approaches for improving cervical cancer prevention strategies. This systematic review aimed to evaluate recent evidence regarding HPV genotype distribution, molecular biomarkers, vaginal microbiome composition, and their implications for cervical cancer prevention in Eastern Europe. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2020 and May 2026. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261391136). Studies from Eastern European populations reporting data on HPV genotype distribution, screening strategies, vaccination, molecular biomarkers, or vaginal microbiome composition were included. HPV prevalence in screening populations ranged from approximately 12% to over 20%, with HPV16 consistently identified as the predominant genotype across all included studies. However, non-16/18 high-risk genotypes, particularly HPV31, HPV51, HPV52, HPV66, and HPV68, represented a substantial proportion of infections in several Eastern European cohorts. Studies evaluating CINtec PLUS cytology and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing demonstrated improved specificity for identifying clinically significant cervical lesions compared with HPV DNA testing alone. Emerging evidence also suggested associations between vaginal dysbiosis, increased microbial diversity, persistent high-risk HPV infection, and progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Although the 9-valent HPV vaccine provides coverage for most circulating high-risk genotypes identified in the region, vaccination uptake remains inconsistent throughout Eastern Europe. The findings of this systematic review support the growing importance of extended HPV genotyping, molecular biomarkers, and microbiome-related approaches in cervical cancer prevention strategies in Eastern Europe. Strengthening organized screening programs, expanding vaccination coverage, and improving access to molecular diagnostic technologies remain essential priorities for reducing the regional burden of HPV-related disease.