HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS PREVALENCE, CHARACTERIZATION AND ASSOCIATION WITH CERVICAL CANCER AMONG PALESTINIAN WOMEN
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Date
2024-12-12
Authors
Salhi, Ibrahim
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant global public health concern due to its strong association with cervical cancer. This study evaluates HPV prevalence, genotyping, and phylogenetic relationships among women in the West Bank, Palestine. It also investigates the incidence of HPV in cervical cancer tissue to inform public health strategies.
Methods: A total of 379 Palestinian women aged 18 and above from 11 West Bank governorates participated in a cross-sectional study conducted from September 2023 to April 2024. Cervical samples were analysed using nested PCR for HPV genotyping, and a questionnaire collected data on the women's medical history, testing history, and demographics. Phylogenetic analysis was performed, and 40 paraffin-embedded cervical cancer tissue specimens were tested for HPV DNA.
Results: The overall HPV prevalence was 14.5%, with the highest rates in the middle region of the West Bank (19.0%) and among the 20–29 age group (19.6%). HPV 11 and HPV 6 were the most common low-risk types, while HPV 16 was the most prevalent high-risk type. The detection of HPV 1 and HPV 53, classified as non-categorized (NC), adds to the diversity of identified genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis showed regional clustering of HPV isolates, indicating localized transmission patterns. Of the 40 cervical cancer tissue specimens, 33 (82.5%) were HPV-positive. The most prevalent high-risk genotypes in these samples were HPV 16 (32.5%) and HPV 18 (10%), with additional genotypes like HPV 33 (5%), HPV 51 (5%), HPV 31 (2.5%), and HPV 45 (2.5%) detected at varying frequencies. HPV 16 was most prevalent in patients aged 40–49, while HPV 18 was more frequent in those aged 50–59. City-wise, HPV 16 was predominantly found in Ramallah, Nablus, and Tulkarm, suggesting regional differences in genotype distribution.
Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for targeted HPV vaccination and screening programs, particularly for younger women. The high prevalence of HPV 16 and 18 in cervical cancer tissues underscores the virus's critical role in cancer development. Continued surveillance and research are essential to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases in the West Bank.
Keywords: HPV genotypes, phylogenetic analysis, HPV prevalence, human cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, women's sexual health.