The Application of Multiplex Real-Time PCR to Detect High-Risk HPV in Iraqi Population

Background & Objective: Cervical cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities, worldwide. Cervical cancer is unequivocally attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is both essential and adequate for its development. The particular prevalence of HPV in the population of Iraq is currently unclear. The present study was to examine the application of multiplex real-time PCR to detect high-risk HPV in the Iraqi population.Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on a total of 300 women with cervical anomalies, who were referred to the Gynecological Oncology Departments in multiple hospitals in Babylon and Baghdad from November 2022 to December 2023. The cervical swabs of the samples were collected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to conduct HPV DNA testing on all specimens.Results: The average age of the participants was 30 years. The overall prevalence of High-risk HPV was 16.7%. The age group of women between 30 and 40 years exhibited the highest overall prevalence of HPV. There was a higher prevalence of genotyping for HPV 16, 18, and 31.Conclusion: The multiplex real-time PCR has numerous advantages, including HPV detection and genotyping to known prevalent genotypes as well as cost effective and no time consuming.