Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of High-Risk Human Papilloma Viruses 16 and 18 among Women of Reproductive Age Group in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. People having Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are prone to develop squamous intraepithelial lesions that result in having six times higher incidence and persistence of HPV lesions while comparing with the general population. Against this backdrop, this study aims to detect the molecular characterization of HR-HPV16 and 18 isolates and their prevalence among women of reproductive age group. Materials and Methods: 100 samples of endocervical tissues of which 50 samples from HIV negative and 50 samples from HIV positive women were collected with two cervical swabs during gynecological examination. The tip of the swabs containing cellular materials was placed into a labeled screw-capped tube containing 3 ml of viral transport medium and they were transported to the State level Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) on the same day and stored at -80°C in a deep freezer until analyzed. Samples were subjected to DNA extraction and were subjected to PCR analysis for detection of HPV 16 and 18. Results: The overall prevalence of HPV 16/18 was 10% detected among HIV positive women and there were no cases among HIV negative women. Out of the 50 HIV positive women on ART, the prevalence of HPV 18 was 18% and HPV 16 was 2%. The mean age was 37.5 years. Both the mean age at first sexual intercourse and age at marriage was 17.8 years; mean age at first childbirth was 18.6 years. The prevalence of HPV 18 was 14% and HPV 16 was 2% seen among women with HIV who had no abortion. The prevalence of HPV 18 was 12% and HPV 16 was 2% observed among women who did not use contraceptives in addition, HPV 18 prevalence was 14% each and HPV 16 was 2% each seen among women who had history of STI and those who had more than one sexual partner respectively. The mean CD4 count was 327 cells/mm3. Conclusion: The prevalence of HR-HPV among women and its association with various diseases including cervical cancer is one of the most challenging problems in the present world. Further, the study fosters the development of overall strategies for enhancing the health status of women in general and the study area in particular by encouraging changes in the sexual behavior and lifestyle of women.