Age‐specific prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus in women from Northwest China

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer with more than 200 genotypes. Different genotypes have different potentials in causing premalignant lesions and cervical cancers. In this study, we investigated the age‐specific prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV genotypes in Northwest China. Materials and Methods We recruited 145,918 unvaccinated women from Northwest China for population‐based HPV DNA screening test during June 2015 to December 2020. And a lab‐based test was performed for each volunteer by flow fluorescent technology to identify the genotypes of HPV. Results The overall infection rate of HPV was 22.97%. With the participants divided into 12 groups according to age, a bimodal curve of infection rate was obtained. And the two peaks appeared in the younger than 20 group and 61–65 group, respectively. The five most common HPV genotypes included HPV 16, 58, 52, 53 and 61 in all participants, which were in descending order of frequency. Among women younger than 25 years old, HPV 6 and 11 were more common and even higher than some genotypes mentioned above. Among women older than 65 years old, HPV 18 and 66 were more common than or as high as the six most common genotypes in all populations. Additionally, the distribution of single and multiple infections in each age group was also different. Conclusion The baseline prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in Northwest China was uncovered for the first time. Age was related to the epidemiology of different HPV genotypes. All the results would be of great significance for future healthcare services. This study provided the baseline prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in Northwest China for the first time. Age was an influencing factor to the infection rate and prevalence of different HPV genotypes. In addition, the distribution of single and multiple infections also showed age‐related differences.