Association of High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus Type Non-16/18 Infection with Cytological Abnormalities in Phrom Phiram, Wang Thong, and Nakhonthai Districts, Phitsanulok Province, 2024

Abstract

         Cervical cancer is a significant public health problem among Thai women, with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection being the primary cause. This retrospective descriptive study aimed to investigate the distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) non-16/18 genotypes and their association with cervical cytological abnormalities. Data were collected from 5,680 Thai women, aged 30–60 years, who underwent cervical cancer screening using HPV DNA testing and liquid-based cytology (LBC) in Phrom Phiram, Wang Thong, and Nakhon Thai districts, Phitsanulok Province, in 2024. The results revealed an overall HPV prevalence of 11.1% (628 cases), consisting of HPV 16/18 at 22.1% (139 cases) and HPV non-16/18 at 77.9% (489 cases). Among the non-16/18 group, 226 cases underwent subsequent LBC. The most prevalent genotype was HPV 51 (14.2%), followed by HPV 52 and 68 (12.4% each). Multiple genotype infections were identified in 13.7% of cases. Cytological abnormalities (≥ ASC-US) were detected in 19.0% (43 cases) of the HPV non-16/18 group. Although multiple infections showed a higher trend of cytological abnormalities compared to single infections, no significant association was observed between HPV non-16/18 infection and cervical cytological abnormalities (p > 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of monitoring non-16/18 HPV genotypes, particularly multiple infections. The regional genotype distribution data will be instrumental in vaccination planning and enhancing cervical cancer prevention strategies.