Human Papillomavirus Genotypes Molecular Epidemiology in Women's Cervical Tissue Samples From Fasa, Iran Publisher



Shadvar N¹ ; Ahmadzadeh M² ; Mohebbi A³ ; Roshanzamir N⁴ ; Alizadeh M⁵ ; Farrokhpour M⁶ ; Emtiazi N⁷ ; Niya MHK^{8, 9} Show Affiliations
Source: Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice Published:2025

Abstract

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV), with more than 200 types, is the primary etiological factor of cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the HPV genotypes of 755 women in Fasa, Iran, to determine the prevalence and distribution of different HPV types and their relationship with cervical lesions. Methods Cervical tissue samples were obtained from 755 women in Fasa, Iran, from 2017 to 2022. Genomic DNA was extracted and used for HPV genotyping via real-time PCR method. A cytological examination was also performed to classify the lesions. GraphPad/Prism8.0.2 software was utilized for statistical analysis to assess the connection between HPV genotypes and cervical lesions. Results HPV testing by real-time PCR showed a positivity rate of 53.11%, with the highest prevalence in the 31-40 age group followed by the 21-30 age group. Cytology analysis revealed that low-grade intraepithelial lesion was the most common lesion, followed by high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. HPV genotyping identified HPV-6 and HPV-16 as the most common monotypes, while HPV-6,11 predominated in mixed-genotype cases. No significant age-related differences existed in multiple genotypes or high-risk HPV type 16 infections. Associations were observed between high-risk HPV types and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance pathology and between HPV infection and low-grade intraepithelial lesion pathology. Conclusions The significant association between high-risk HPV types and cytological abnormalities highlights the necessity of thorough HPV screening and vaccination of susceptible age groups. These results support the regular use of HPV genotyping in cervical cancer screenings for personalized patient care and better clinical results, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and public health initiatives to reduce HPV-related diseases. © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.