The Prevalence of High-risk Human Papillomavirus Type 16 and 18 in Women in Rasht-Iran

Background & aim: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among females. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in women who undergo HPV test. Methods: In this descriptive epidemiological study, which was conducted in Mehr Medical Institute, Rasht, Iran from 2019 to 2020, two cervical samples were obtained from each of 301 patients for cytological and real-time PCR evaluation. Genotyping the samples was carried out using the Real-Time PCR technique. Different genotypes were divided into the following groups: 16 and 18 genotypes, other high risk genotypes, possibly low risk and high risk genotypes. Results: The prevalence of HPV types in the study participants with a mean age of 33.4± 6.5 (18-61) years were 36.5% (n=110). HPV16 and 18 were detected in 28 (25.7%) and 7 patients (6.4%), respectively. Histopathological findings among HPV positive and negative participants were similar. HPV distribution according to women´s age was: group 1 (20-24.9 years, 47%), group 2 (25-29.9 years, 42.6%), group 3 (30-34.9 years, 40.4%), group 4 (35-39.9 years, 27.6%) and group 5 (40≤ years, 28.3%). Conclusion: The general percentage of HPV positive patients in the local area can be compared to the previous literature. The study includes updates on the prevalence and type of HPV distribution between women of Guilan province in Iran.