Molecular epidemiology and genotype distribution of genital high-risk human papillomavirus among women in North–East India

Abstract

Abstract Background The detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in cervical samples through molecular assays plays a pivotal role in preventing cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and age-specific distribution of HR-HPV infection in the NorthEast Indian female population. A total of 570 cervical samples from female patients aged 18–70 years were tested using the COBAS 4800 system. Results HR-HPV was positive in 59 (10.3%, 95% CI 8.0–13.2) samples. Of these, 52 were single infections (88.1%, 95% CI 76.4–94.6) and of HPV16 positive patients, 21.8% (7/32, 95% CI 9.9–40.4) were co-infected with other high-risk types. Among HR-HPVs, the prevalence of HPV 16, HPV 18, and other HR-HPVs was 54.2% (95% CI 40.8–67.1), 5.1% (95% CI 1.7–14.0), and 52.5% (95% CI 39.2–65.5), respectively. About age, the highest HPV prevalence (43.5%) was found in the 30–40-year-old group and the lowest (19%) in the 60–70-year old group (p value > 0.72). In older patients (60 and older), HPV 16 was the only HR-HPV detected (p value < 0.02). Conclusion Our investigation explored women exhibit the highest prevalence of HPV 16, followed by other HR-HPV genotypes. In contrast, the prevalence of HPV 18 was considerably lower. The only HR-HPV detected in elderly patients was HPV 16 (≤ 60). This study provides important epidemiological data on the prevalence of cervical HPV infection, which can serve as a useful reference for cervical cancer screening programs and developing nationwide HPV vaccination.

Keywords

• Cervical cancer
• HR-HPV genotypes
• Epidemiology
• Genotype distribution
• COBAS 4800 system
• North–East India