Pilot study: frequency and characterisation of human papillomavirus genotypes in gynecologic cytology material

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its genotypes in the liquid-based cytology samples from women attending routine cervical screening. Methods Samples obtained from 128 women (87 with cytological abnormalities, 41 with normal cytology) were included in the study. The samples were tested by a commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-array hybridisation assay. Frequent types and the correlation between the types and cytological diagnosis were evaluated. Results HPV was observed in 70/128 cases. Single HPV type was detected in 28 cases, while multiple types in 42. The most frequent types were 16, 53 and 31. High risk types were observed in 61 cases including all malignant and five high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cases. Low risk types were not seen in any malignant or HSIL cases. In 29 low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cases, 23 had high risk. Of 42 atypical cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) cases, 25 had high risk. Of controls, 38 were negative for HPV. Conclusions HPV infection is a major risk factor for invasive cervical carcinoma. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of the cases. HPV 16 was the most frequent HPV type in our series, followed by HPV 53. Determination of HPV profile in Turkey will provide valuable data for both epidemiological studies and vaccination strategies.