Objectives: Human papillomavirus infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Long-term exposure to the HPV leads to development of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions that can eventually transform into cervical cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the HPV genotype distribution in patients with abnormal pap smear and provide prospective study.
Material and methods: We obtained material from 674 women who registered to Specialist Medical Practice in the years 2008-2020. The sample for the molecular test was collected using combi brush and forwarded to the independent, standardized laboratory. HPV detection was done using PCR followed by DNA enzyme immunoassay and reverse hybridization line probe assay for virus genotyping. Sequence analysis was performed to characterize virus genotypes in HPV - positive samples.
Results: We found that 53% of patients tested positive for HPV. The percentage decreased with age. The following HPV types were the most common: HPV - 16 (24.5%), HPV - 53 (13.1%), HPV - 31 (10.3%), HPV - 51 (9.7%), HPV - 56 (9.5%). To our knowledge, this study is the largest assessment of HPV genotypes in Poland.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that type-specific, high-risk HPV DNA - based screening should focus on HPV types 16, 31, 51, 56.
Keywords: HPV; HPV genotypes; HPV screening; cervical cancer.