Prevalence of Candida albicans in High-Risk Human Papillomavirus-Positive Women: A Study in Diyarbakır Province, Turkey

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern due to its association with the development of cervical cancer. Although inflammation caused by Candida spp. has been shown to facilitate oncogenesis, the interactions between HPV and Candida spp. remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of HR-HPV infection HR-HPV-positiveCandida albicans in HR-HPV-positive individuals in Diyarbakır province in Turkey. Cervical samples were taken from 350 participants aged 20–69 years who applied to Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic. For detection of HPV presence and HR-HPV genotyping, PCR/direct cycle sequencing was used. E6/E7 mRNA expression of HPV-16, -18, -31, -33, and -45 was determined by type-specific real-time NASBA assay (NucliSENS EasyQ(®)HPV v1.1). The presence of Candida albicans in cervical specimens of HR-HPV-positive women was investigated by RAPD-PCR and culture methods. Results. Of the 350 women who participated in the study, 24% were HPV positive and 10.5% were found to be HR-HPV positive. HR-HPV positivity was most frequently detected in the age range of 40–49 years. Among HR-HPV-positive women, C. albicans was found in 59.4%. Conclusion. The most frequent HR-HPV genotype was HPV16, followed by HPV31. Of women who tested positive for HR-HPV, C. albicans was discovered in 59.4%. C. albicans infection may occur when the immune system is weakened or the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed, increasing tissue damage in the vaginal area and the risk of carcinogenesis of HR-HPV. Therefore, knowing the presence of Candida infection in HR-HPV-positive women is essential to plan the treatment and prevent the risk of secondary disease.