Association between Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cytological Abnormalities in Young Female University Students in Central Brazil

Authors: Rabelo Santos SH*, de Oliveira DF, Nazareth Pereira R, Figueiredo Alves RR, Saddi VA, Alves de Sousa NA, Ribeiro AA and D’Alessandro WB

Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) genital infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is acquired when sexual activity begins.
Objective: This study was to evaluate the prevalence and the association between infection with HPV and cytological abnormalities in young female university students in Central Brazil. This study included 200 cervical samples obtained from female university students aged from 18-25 years.
Methods: All specimens were ssessed by conventional cytology and tested for 37 HPV genotypes, by using LINEAR ARRAY® HPV Genotyping Test.
Results: HPV-DNA was detected in 94 of 200 female university students (47%). Cytological abnormalities were detected in 8.7% (17/196) of all satisfactory cervical smears. The results were confirming for Papanicolaou and documented by photomicrographs. HPV 16 was the most commonly detected type in all of cases without cytological abnormalities, followed by HPV 31, 52, 35 and 58. Fifty percent of female university students with a cytological result of LSIL were positive for HPV 16. Other types such as HPV 31, 35, 52 and 58 were detected in cases of ASC-US and ASC-H.
Conclusion: Positivity for any HPV type, including single and multiple infections, was significantly associated with abnormal cervical smear. The high rate of HPV detection in young women emphasizes the advantages of earlyvaccination. The highest prevalence of minor cytological abnormalities justifies the recommendations of cervical cancer screening guidelines.

Keywords:

Cervical smears; HPV; Polymerase chain reaction; Young female; Sexually transmitted infection

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