Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Papillomavirus in the Female Genital Tract: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kashan, Iran; [عویشوعیزوتیپیتونژسوریویامولیپاپیناسناردهاگتسدیلسانت:نانزکییهعلاطمیعطقمرد،ناشاکناریا] Publisher

Summary: Which HPV types occur in Kashan? A local study found high-risk strains were common among HPV-positive women, notably types 51 and 16, underscoring prevention needs. #HPV #WomensHealth

Vahedpour Z ; Erami M ; Hooahyar Z ; Nedaeinia R ; Piroozmand A
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as the most common sexually transmitted infection. Given the definitive role of this virus in the incidence of cervical cancer, further studies were necessary to investigate its prevalence in cities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of genital HPV in women referring to Kashan gynecological clinics for Pap smear screening in 2017. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 292 women referring to specialized obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Kashan for Pap smear screening in 2017. After obtaining their consent, a spatula and cytobrush were used to collect endocervical and exocervical samples for HPV PCR. Then, HPV genotypes were determined using the INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra II method. Findings: This study showed that among all women referred to gynecological clinics for Pap smear screening, HPV test was positive in 25% of them. The prevalence of high-risk types was 41.1% and low-risk types was 58.9%. Among patients with HPV, type 51 was the most frequent with 31.5%, followed by type 16 with 27.4%. Conclusion: The present study indicates a high prevalence of HPV among Kashani women. Furthermore, given the significant prevalence of high-risk genotypes, immunization against HPV should be considered essential in vaccination development programs. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.