High Sensitive PCR based assay revealed high prevalence of Human papillomavirus Infection among Palestinian Women

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common, sexually transmitted infection associated strongly with cervical cancer, independent of other risk factors, and consistent in several countries. There are more than 20 different cancer-associated HPV types, but little is known about their geographic variation. In 2006, USA and Canada licensed the first HPV vaccine, which is highly efficacious against four of the most common types of HPV (Types 6, 11, 16 and 18). Purpose: Our aim is to determine the prevalence of HPV infection within Palestinian women and its relation with cervical abnormalities. Methods: As a part of cohort study, randomly 378 vaginal specimens from women visited governmental or private obstetrics and gynecology clinics for various reasons in the West Bank were collected and stored at -20C before phenol-chloroform DNA extraction was performed. All samples were tested using LCR-E7 PCR assay for detection HPV E6 and E7 genes. Written agreement forms were received for participation in this project from all women. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 4.2% (16/378) of samples, with no statistically significant variation in HPV positivity between asymptomatic 4.6% (13/283) and symptomatic 3.2% (3/95) women. The prevalence was with no significant difference with age groups, age of marriage, number of spontaneous abortion or smoking. Conclusion: Social education or prevention programs such as vaccination for these sexually transmitted infections should be considered in Palestine.