Prevalence of and risk factors for high-risk human papillomavirus infection: a population-based study from Hetian, Xinjiang, China.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection contributes to most cases of cervical cancer, and HPV genotypes exhibit different distributions according to geographic region. This study evaluates the prevalence of HPV infection in Hetian Prefecture, Xinjiang, and establishes risk factors associated with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes in this region. In this cross-sectional, population-based study, 883 healthy women 15-54 years of age were enrolled. All participants completed a questionnaire regarding sociocultural and sexual activity characteristics. Visual inspections with acetic acid, colposcopies and biopsies were performed using the Preventive Oncology International microbiopsy protocol for pathological diagnosis. Cervical epithelial tissue specimens were collected and tested for HPV using linear array assays. According to the results of HR-HPV infection status, individuals infected with HR-HPV were classified into one group, and the remaining individuals were classified into the control group. The risk factors for HR-HPF infection were analyzed. The participants included 66 women (7.47%) with HR-HPV, 10 women (1.13%) with low-risk HPV, and 14 women (1.59%) with HPV of unknown risk. The five most prevalent types of HR-HPV were HPV-16 (0.31%), HPV-51 (0.08%), HPV-31 (0.07%), HPV-58 (0.07%), and HPV-39 (0.06%). Vulvovaginal ulcers and vulvovaginal inflammation were found in 190 participants (21.52%) and 256 participants (28.99%), respectively. The HR-HPV and control groups significantly differed with respect to age at first marriage, number of marriages, and the presence of vulvovaginal ulcers and vulvovaginal inflammation (p<0.05). Based on this study, an immunization strategy targeting HPV-16 should be prioritized in Hetian Prefecture. These findings contribute to the understanding of HPV infection.

A Serological Epidemiological Survey of Antibodies against 4 HPV Subtypes in Uygur Women in Xinjiang.

This study evaluated the distribution of antibodies against 4 human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes and their related factors among Uygur women in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2006 to May 2007 involving 883 Uygur women aged 17-54 years living in Yutian County. Demographic indicators, disease history, sexual behavior history, and other parameters were recorded at the interview using a questionnaire. A fluorescence detection method was used to quantify anti-HPV6, -11, -16, and -18 antibodies in venous blood serum. The rate of positive detection of any anti-HPV antibody (anti-HPV6, -11, -16, and -18) in the study population was 13.4%, and the individual positivity rates were 9.5%, 2.6%, 4.3%, and 0.7%, respectively. Peak rates of positivity for the anti-HPV16 antibody were found in women who were 36-40 and 46-50 years old. Seroprevalence of HPV16, which is high-risk for cervical cancer, was associated with the numbers of sexual partners. The rate of infection with high-risk HPV was low among Uygur women from rural areas, although there is a high incidence of cervical cancer in this group. Loyalty to one sexual partner decreased the risk of high-risk HPV infection. This study may provide useful reference data for the prevention and treatment of HPV and cervical cancer and for the application of HPV vaccines.