Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Persistent infection with one of the most high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus causes all cases of cervical cancer and a significant proportion of other genital cancers. The HPV virus, unlike any other infection that leads to cancer, is transmitted only through sexual intercourse and is less affected by the general changes and development in lifestyle and medical standards, so only vaccination and screening can prevent the HPV virus and cancers caused by it. Therefore, determining the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes are of utmost importance in screening strategies regarding cervical cancer and vaccination decisions against HPV that vary based on the geographical and cultural characteristics of the study area. As a result, this study aimed to determine the frequency of human papillomavirus and the distribution of this virus's genotypes in the general population of women living in 11 provinces of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a community-based survey study. Sampling was done by the cluster sampling method. Women aged 15-59 years old from the general population living in 11 provinces of Iran were included in the study after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using a questionnaire and vaginal examination. The study was performed on 2562 vaginal specimens that were referred to the laboratory of the present study. HPV genome was detected by the nested MY-GP method and papillomavirus genotyping was performed using the PCR multiplex method to identify 19 papillomavirus genotypes. RESULTS: The general prevalence of HPV in the 11 provinces was obtained at 2.4% (108 out of 2562 people). The highest prevalence of the virus was in the age group of 25-34 years. The prevalence of HPV was statistically significant among different provinces. Hormozgan province with 22 cases (5.9%) had the highest and Isfahan province with 6 cases (2.2%) had the lowest incidence of HPV. The prevalence of high-risk HPV and medium-risk HPV is 3%, and the prevalence of low-risk HPV was estimated to be 2.1% of the total female population. Also, the highest prevalence was related to genotype 16. CONCLUSION: According to the high prevalence of the HPV virus in young age groups in Iran, it is necessary to pay attention to screening programs to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.