Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Among Women with Abnormal Cervical Cytology at a Tertiary Care Centre in Chennai
Keywords:
Cervical cancer, Human papillomavirus, Abnormal cervical cytology, HPV genotypingAbstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among Indian women, with persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18 being the primary causative factor. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and genotypic distribution of HPV infection, along with associated risk factors, in women presenting with abnormal cervical cytology screening.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute's Department of Microbiology in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. The study sample consisted of 70 females over the age range of 30 to 80. The cervical tissues were sampled using a cervical brush and Pap Smear. The DNA was extracted using the Qiagen Kit (QIAamp DNA Kits for DNA Extraction). Clinical specimens were thoroughly analysed using molecular techniques for HPV genotyping using the MehrViru HPV PCR Test kit. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 17.0.
Results: 17 of the 70 women with abnormal cervical cytology were tested positive for HR HPV, which is a prevalence rate of 24.28%. Nearly, 38.6% (27) are between the ages of 41 and 50. There was no correlation found between HPV prevalence and sociodemographic, sexual, or reproductive factors. Out of 17 HPV positive cases, 41% (7) were diagnosed with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). HPV 16 was the most prevalent kind in terms of prevalence, followed by 52, 58, 18, and 33. Types 16 and 52 were the most common persistent HPV genotypes.
Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of integrating HPV DNA testing with Pap smear screening to improve the early detection of cervical cancer. The combined approach enhances diagnostic accuracy and enables timely counselling, education, and referral for affected women, ultimately contributing to better reproductive health outcomes in India.
