Type-Specific Persistence/Clearance Results in Human Papillomavirus Infections in Turkish Women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, most of which are known to be transient is of critical importance for the development of precursor lesions and cancer in the cervix. The aim of the present study is to investigate the persistence and clearance of genotype-based HPV infections and also some cofactors that could be effective in persistence. STUDY DESIGN: Data of 115 patients whose human papillomavirus and genotype detection was made with multiplex PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), and capillary electrophoresis were categorized as lowrisk HPV (LR-HPV)/high risk HPV (HR-HPV) and single/multiple HPV infections, and clearance/persistence data of two years were investigated. RESULTS: While 82 (71.3%) out of 115 patients (mean age 40.1 years) had a single HPV infection, the remaining had two or more HPV infections. Of all HPV infections, 81.5% (128/157) were HR-HPV. Clearance rates of HPV infections during the first two years was 85.4% (134/157), persistence was 14.6% (23/157). The most frequently persisted HR-HPV genotypes were 31, 52, 68, 16, and 35, respectively. A statistically significant difference was not found in HPV persistence with regard to the infection’s being single/multiple or LR/HR. A significant difference was not found between age groups and persistence. CONCLUSIONS: Of HPV infections, 85.4% are cleared during the first two years while the most frequently persisted HR-HPV genotypes were 31, 52, 68, 16, and 35, respectively. Being aware of population-based clearance/persistence results of type-specific infections may specify screening strategies.