Human papillomavirus typing with special focus on high risk in anogenital warts: Experience from a Suraksha clinic in Northern India

Abstract Background: Low-risk (LR) human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 are responsible for the majority of anogenital warts (AGW). High-risk (HR) HPV types have been closely linked to cancer of the cervix and lower genital tract. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of HR HPV types by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in AGW patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2024 to October 2024 in Suraksha Clinic, Dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital in North India. All adult patients of AGW were included in the study. All patients underwent biopsy for the determination of HPV type by PCR. Results: The study included 100 clinically diagnosed cases of AGW, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.85:1. The most common (MC) site was penile shaft in males and labia majora and minora in females. LR HPV type was detected in 99% of the patients. Only LR HPV type was found in 74% of patients. Of these, the majority (39%) had co-infection with type 6 and 11, followed by type 6 (18%) and type 11 (17%). At least one HR HPV type was detected in 26% patients. Out of these, one patient had only HR HPV (HPV 39, 51) infection while the rest 25 had both LR and HR HPV co-infection. MC HR HPV type was HPV 66 (7%), followed by HPV 16 (6%) and HPV 18 (4%). Conclusions: HR HPV coexists with LR HPV in a significant number of AGW patients. These patients should be followed up regularly to detect the development of any malignant changes.