Human papilloma virus-16/18 cervical infection among women attending a family medical clinic in Riyadh

Abstract

BACKGROUNDPrevalence information is lacking on human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 (HPV-16/18) infection in cervical tissues of women residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition, there are no observations on progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).SUBJECTS AND METHODSPap smear and HPV-16/18 DNA detection by PCR followed by Southern blotting was performed on 120 subjects (Saudi and other Arab nationals) during routine gynecological examination. Some HPV-positive subjects were followed for 4 years, by Pap smear every 6 months and by HPV DNA detection at the end of 4 years.RESULTSOverall HPV-16/18 prevalence was 31.6%. HPV-16 prevalence alone was 13.3%, HPV-16 as a mixed infection with HPV-18 was 15%, and all HPV-16 was 28.3%. HPV-18 alone was 3.3%, HPV-18 as a mixed infection with HPV-16 was 15%, and all HPV-18 was 18.3%. Ten subjects had cervical abnormalities with the Pap smear test, six of whom were HPV-16/18 positive, 1 with HPV-16, 1 with HPV-18, and 4 with a mixed infection of HPV-16/18. Of all 23 HPV-16/18-positive subjects, either as individual or mixed infection, followed for 4 years, 7 showed abnormal cytology, 6 at initial examination and 1 during follow-up. Of these 7, 6 reverted to normal without treatment and 1 was treated and became normal after 3 years. None of the subjects progressed to CIN-III.CONCLUSIONA high prevalence of HPV-16/18 was found, but with a low rate of progression to CIN. A significant association with abnormal cytology was found only in patients with HPV-16/18 mixed infection.

High-risk human papillomavirus infection among women with pap smear tests negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy

“…This rate was considered relatively high given the fact that in Saudi Arabia extramarital sex and multiple sexual partnerships are strictly prohibited. [17] Other studies in Middle Eastern countries reported much lower prevalence rates like 4.9% in Lebanon [24] and 2.7% in Kuwait. [25] While in South American countries, which have the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer, the prevalence reached 20.4%.…”

“…[16] While no data is available about the prevalence of HPV among women in UAE. [2] Some studies in Riyadh (KSA) and Qatar have showed a prevalence of 31.8 [17] and 64% in these two countries, respectively. [18] Early detection of cervical cancer, which can be achieved by regular screening, offers the chance to a more effective treatment.…”

Current studies on human papillomavirus in Saudi Arabia

“…The prevalence of HPV-16 alone was 13.3% and HPV-16 as a mixed infection with HPV-18 was 15%, totaling 28.3% for all HPV-16 infections. The prevalence of HPV-18 alone was 3.3%, hence 18.3% for all HPV-18 infections [32]. A study from the western region of Saudi Arabia examined 40 cervical specimens using PCR and BioFilmChip microarray hybridization and reported positive HPV infections in the cervical specimens of 43% of the women, indicating an alarming rate of HPV infection in Saudi Arabia [33].…”

“…Another study described a relatively high prevalence of HPV-16 or HPV-18 cervical infections among women attending a family medicine clinic in Riyadh (capital city of Saudi Arabia) [32]. The HPV-16/18 DNA detection with PCR followed by Southern blotting was performed on 120 women in Riyadh [29] (Saudi and other Arab nationals) during their routine gynecological examinations.…”

Human papillomaviruses: The cervical cancer saga in developing countries

“…One study investigated HPV 16/18 DNA prevalence among women attending a family medicine clinic for routine gynecological examinations in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. In total, 120 cervical swab specimens were collected and analyzed using PCR followed by Southern blotting [20]. The overall prevalence of HPV 16/18 was 31.6%.…”