The persistence of HPV type-specific infections in patients following colposcopic examination: An observational study

Aim

High-risk HPV infection is a necessary but not sufficient factor for the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Beyond mere HPV positivity, the persistence of infection over time plays a crucial role. This study aims to evaluate the clearance and persistence rates of HPV 16 and 18 genotypes.

Methods

The cervical cytology results were reported using the 2014 Bethesda System classification. The cervical cytology samples were analyzed using the Roche Cobas® 4800 HPV tests. Patients with any HPV genotype other than 16 or 18, those with missing data, those who were lost to follow-up, those who underwent excisional procedures or hysterectomy, and those with high-grade cervical dysplasia were excluded from this study.

Results

Among 191 patients (mean age: 41.2 ± 0.6 years, 16.8% postmenopausal), the mean follow-up was 21.6 ± 0.7 months. No significant differences were found between the clearance and persistence groups in age, follow-up duration, cervical biopsy, or endocervical curettage results. However, HPV 16 had a higher persistence rate (28.2%), and abnormal cytology was more frequent in the persistence group (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Around 25% of patients had persistent HPV infection. Close monitoring is essential for those with CIN 1 on initial colposcopy, as they may have a higher risk of progressing to high-grade dysplasia compared to those without dysplasia.