Prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection among women in Ningbo, China

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate HPV prevalence and genotype distribution among women in Ningbo, China.

Methods: A cluster-sampling study of women from four randomly selected villages was undertaken between April 1 and June 30, 2012. Married women who were not menstruating and had not had sexual intercourse, used vaginal medications, or performed vaginal douching within the previous 48hours were enrolled when attending community health centers for family planning appointments. Exfoliated cell specimens were collected for HPV DNA genotyping and cytologic diagnostic tests.

Results: Among 1373 included women, 185 (13.5%) were found to be HPV positive and 178 (13.0%) had a high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotype. Among 56 women with cervical cytologic abnormalities, 35 (62.5%) had an HPV infection. The frequency of HPV or HR-HPV infections rose with increasing severity of cytological abnormalities (P<0.001 for both). HPV52 was the most prevalent genotype, followed by HPV58, HPV16, HPV33, and HPV68. An HPV prevalence peak was observed in women aged 40-49 years (101/564 [17.9%]).

Conclusion: In Ningbo, many women with cervical cytologic abnormalities have HPV infection. Vaccines targeting HPV52 and HPV58 in conjunction with HPV16 and HPV18 are required for the prevention and treatment of cervical lesions in Chinese women.

Keywords: China; HPV; Prevalence.