Genotype-specific prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes in underserved Latino women with abnormal Papanicolaou tests

IntroductionKnowledge about the prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in cervical premalignant and malignant lesions is crucial to guide development of clinical management strategies and prophylactic vaccines. The aim of this study was to determine HPV genotype-specific prevalence and distribution in an underserved cohort of Latino women.Materials and methodsFrom December 2009 to April 2011, 808 SurePath cervicovaginal specimens were collected from women who were referred from charity clinics for abnormal Papanicolaou tests. The patients' average age was 36.5 years (range 19-85 years). The specimens were tested for HPV genotypes by DNA microarray and sequencing assays.ResultsThe HPV infection rate was extremely high (93% for any HPV and 64% for high-risk [HR]-HPV), with frequent multiple-strain infection (39%). Younger age (<30 years) was associated with frequent HR-HPV infection, multiple strain infections, and cytologic abnormalities. When compared with previous reports, HPV 16 remained the most common genotype (44.6%) in women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; however, a significant increase in HPV 31 (17.9%) and 45 (10.7%) and a decrease in HPV 35, 52, 33, and 66 were observed.ConclusionsThe HPV genotype-specific prevalence and distribution pattern in this cohort of underserved Latino women differed significantly from previously published data in the United States. Understanding the potentially changing trends in HPV distribution pattern will help guide the development of appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for both underserved and general populations.