Human papillomavirus genotypes 68 and 58 are the most prevalent genotypes in women from quilombo communities in the state of Maranhão, Brazil

- In Brazil, slaves who escaped or were released began to live in isolated communities called quilombos.
- The frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) was determined in women from quilombos in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.
- The total frequency of HPV was low (13%), and HPV 68 and HPV 58 were the most frequent genotypes.
- HPV-positive women were 6.5 times more likely to exhibit cytological abnormalities.
- The HPV type distribution was significantly different from those reported worldwide.

SummaryObjectivesTo determine the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) types and behavioral characteristics related to cytological abnormalities in women descendants of slaves, who live in isolated communities known as quilombos in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.MethodsCervicovaginal specimens of 353 women were analyzed by conventional cytology and genotyping. HPV detection and genotyping was performed using a linear array HPV genotyping test kit. Behavioral factors and their association with cytological abnormalities were analyzed, as well as the association between cytological abnormalities and HPV infection.ResultsThe frequency of HPV infection was 13%, and infection with high-risk HPV types was more frequent than with low-risk types (10.2% vs. 2.8%). The most prevalent genotypes were HPV 68 (3.1%) and HPV 58 (2.6%). HPV-positive women were 6.5 times more likely than HPV-negative women to be diagnosed with cytological abnormalities. There was a significant association between HPV infection and the presence of cytological abnormalities in women 31-40 years of age and in women 51-60 years of age.ConclusionsA distinct profile of high-risk HPV genotypes was detected, with predominance of types 68 and 58. It is possible that the results of the present study are due to specific characteristics of the population, which is geographically isolated and maintains conservative sexual habits.