VPH infection and its clinical correlation in indigenous population of the high andean region of Ecuador

Abstract

Cervical-uterine cancer (CaCu) is a public health problem. Epidemiological studies have identified a close relationship between CaCu and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The purpose of this study was to perform the molecular detection of HPV, identification of mixed infections and the screening of CaCu through conventional cytology in an indigenous population of the high Andean highlands of Ecuador in order to correlate the data obtained with the presence of lesions. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 189 women between the ages of 21 and 65; who belonged to the community of Pilahuin in the province of Tungurahua, who assisted to gynecological check-ups. Data were analyzed with the EPI-INFO and SPSS statistical programs. Results: the average age of the participants was 35.2 years, most of the participants identified themselves as indigenous, in a stable relationship, multiparous, with a medium to low level of education and no paid work. The participants showed a favorable attitude towards the cervico-uterine cytology in 100% of the cases without showing a relation with age, level of education or civil status. HPV infection was positive in 10.5% of the participants, 70% of the patients had severe inflammation with a positive association with mixed bacterial infection.

Keywords

• Papilomavirus, cáncer, Papanicolaou, epidemiología, PCR, citología