Prevalence and genotypic distribution of high-risk human papilloma virus in Gomel region: Screening results of 11,382 women over 2018–2023

INTRODUCTION. High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is a proven etiological factor in prevalence of cervical cancer. Screening with HPV genotyping in women and identifying significant regional virus genotypes is vital for implementation of HPV immunisation programmes. AIM. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, spectrum, and regional characteristics of hrHPV in women from different districts of Gomel region in 2018–2023, prior to the mass vaccination programme in the Republic of Belarus. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 11,382 women from Gomel region and the city of Gomel aged 18 to 79 years were examined in 2018–2023. Biomaterial samples (endocervical scrapings) were taken from each study participant for subsequent molecular genetic analysis using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS. A total of 14 different HPV genotypes have been detected. The incidence of hrHPV was 9% in the overall population and 9.7% in women of reproductive age. High hrHPV incidence was noted in women of early reproductive age: group of 18–24 years — 18.8% (95% CI 16.8–20.9), 25–29 years — 12.1% (95% CI 10.3–14.1), and 30–34 years — 9.2% (95% CI 7.8–10.7). A single HPV genotype was detected most frequently (78.6%); a combination of two HPV genotypes was detected in 86 patients (14.5%); ≥3 genotypes — in 41 patients (6.9%). The most common genotypes were 16 (52.2%), 18 (15.1%), 51 (18.9%), 56 (9.8%), and 31 (9.7%) HPV. Groups α9 (16 and 31 genotypes), α7 (18 genotype), α5 (51 genotype), and α6 (56 genotype) most frequently caused hrHPV infection in women. A change has been found in the structure of dominant hrHPV genotypes in Gomel region over the past 10 years. CONCLUSION. A high hrHPV prevalence has been established among women of reproductive age in Gomel region. Data on HPV genomic diversity in the region are essential for molecular epidemiological surveillance and will help assess the effectiveness of the Republican HPV immunisation programme launched in 2025.