High-risk human papillomavirus cervical infections among healthy women in Guadeloupe

• Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in the Caribbean, including the French West Indies.
• The prevalence and type distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) cervical infections are not known for this Caribbean region.
• In the series presented, a high prevalence rate of HR HPV cervical infection was demonstrated.
• The HR HPV type distribution was significantly different from those reported in developed regions.
• These results may help in the development of an appropriate HPV vaccination program in the Caribbean.

SummaryObjectiveTo assess high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) cervical infections and their type distribution among healthy women in Guadeloupe, French West Indies.MethodsThe details of consecutive non-pregnant women who attended cervical cancer screening and had HPV genotyping performed at the largest pathology laboratory on the island from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 were recorded retrospectively. All women with available HPV genotyping results were included in the study.ResultsHR HPV genotyping results for 618 women (median age 42 years) were collected. The overall prevalence rate of HR HPV cervical infection was 36.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.3–40.0%), with the following type distribution: HPV 16 or 18 irrespective of other HPV types, 7.3% (95% CI 5.4–9.6%); other HR HPV types excluding HPV 16 or 18, 28.8% (95% CI 25.3–32.5%). The prevalence rates of overall HR HPV and HR HPV other than 16 or 18 infection increased significantly (p < 0.001) with the severity of cytology grade, from 19.7% for normal cytology to 53.8% in atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and 67.7% in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL).ConclusionThe high prevalence rate of HR HPV cervical infection with genotypes other than 16 and 18 in Guadeloupe, irrespective of age and the cytology grade, suggests a potential benefit of the new nine-valent HPV vaccine to prevent HPV infection-related cancers in this Caribbean country.