Hospital-based prevalence of high-risk cervical HPV types infecting the general population and female sex workers in Huzhou, China

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of high-risk HPV types among female sex workers and the general population in Huzhou, China.MethodsCervical samples from the general population (n = 292) and female sex workers (n = 288) in Huzhou, China, were collected between April, 2008, and October, 2009. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical data were obtained by interview. Genotyping of the HPV L1 gene was done via a PGMY09/PGMY11 PCR-based assay, and the cervical samples were subjected to cytology analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of HPV was higher among female sex workers (66.7%) than among the general population (19.2%). Among female sex workers, HPV-16 (28.8%) was the most prevalent, followed by HPV-58 (24.0%) and HPV-52 (20.8%). The percentage of cervical abnormalities was higher among female sex workers (20.8%) than among the general population (4.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that education level and condom use during coitus were significantly associated with HPV infection (P < 0.05). HPV-16, HPV-58 and HPV-52 were the dominant types, and were significantly associated with abnormal cervical cytology (P < 0.05).ConclusionFemale sex workers in Huzhou, China, were found to have a greater probability of being infected with high-risk HPV, and novel vaccines against HPV-58 and HPV-52 should be developed. Using condoms could reduce the risk of infection.