Investigation and analysis of female HPV infection and genotype distribution in Xuhui District, Shanghai.

Abstract

Objective: In China, Cervical cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in females, and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is one of its main causative factors. However, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rates may vary significantly among patients of different ages and HPV subtypes. This study aims to provide insights into developing cervical cancer screening strategies and selecting HPV vaccine antigen targets in the area.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the HPV testing results of 47,423 women from January 2017 to April 2023 at the Clinical Laboratory of the Eighth People's Hospital in Shanghai. HPV DNA genotyping was performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the molecular laboratory. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software. Binomial distribution analysis was used to calculate the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and the chi-square test was employed to compare categorical variables among different age groups, with a p-value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results: Among the 47,423 cervical HPV DNA test results, the overall infection rate was 18.9%, with single infections accounting for 13.93%, dual infections for 3.47%, and multiple infections for 1.5%. The age-specific prevalence of HPV infection exhibited a "U"-shaped curve, with the highest infection rates observed in the age groups under 30 and between 50 and 59 years. The five most common HR-HPV subtypes in Xuhui District were types 16, 39, 51, 52, 56, and 58 (accounting for 10.3%, 7%, 8%, 20.3%, 6%, and 12%, respectively), with type 52 showing the highest infection rate. The prevalence of moderate/severe HPV infection rates in the HPV 59, HPV 33, and HPV 35 gene subtypes increased over time, highlighting the importance of monitoring these subtypes.

Conclusion: This study identified the primary HR-HPV genotypes prevalent among females in Xuhui District, Shanghai, and explored correlations between age, genotype, and HPV infection rates. While the findings provide a basis for recommending HPV screening for younger and older age groups, further studies integrating clinical outcomes such as cytological and pathological results are necessary to substantiate these conclusions and refine screening strategies. Due to variations in HPV trends globally and regional differences in genotypes, epidemiological analysis of HPV can accurately and visually reflect the distribution of specific HPV genotypes in a particular area, thereby aiding in the development of regional cervical cancer screening strategies and the selection of HPV vaccine antigen targets.