Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Tehran, Iran

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of cervical cancer worldwide. Knowledge about the geographical distribution and epidemiology of the most common HPV genotypes is a crucial step in developing prevention strategies. We aimed to investigate the HPV genotype distribution among HPV positive women and men. Study design: Cross-sectional study.

The study was performed on 219 HPV positive individuals (160 females and 59 males) from Tehran, Iran. Samples were obtained from cervix and vagina of female subjects and the genital warts of male subjects. DNA was extracted from samples and PCR-reverse dot blot genotyping chip was used to examine HPV genotypes. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples of 51 patients from study population were also included in this study.

The frequency of high-risk (HR)-HPV was 67.12%. The most common HR-HPV type was HR-HPV16 (17.4%), HR-HPV68 (11.4%), and HR-HPV51 and HR-HPV53 (both 7.8%). The most common low-risk (LR)-HPV included LR-HPV6 (31.1%), LR-HPV81 (11.9%), and LR-HPV62 (11.4%). The highest prevalence of HPV was in the age group >30 (42.9%). Co-infection with multiple HR-HPV types was observed in 22.4% of specimens. HR-HPV was found in 50% of women with normal cytology, 100% with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 84.61% with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cells.

Our findings indicated remarkable growth of HR-HPV68, which has rarely been reported in Iran. Considering the high prevalence of HPV in people younger than 30 years old, it seems necessary to introduce educational programs in high schools to increase awareness about ethical issues related to human health.