Prevalence of Single and Multiple Human Papillomavirus Types in Cervical Cancer and Precursor Lesions in Hubei, China

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence and type distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in Hubei, China. METHODS: A total of 112 patients with cervical cancer and 60 CIN II-III samples were obtained from women undergoing biopsy or surgery. HPV and typing were examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 105 patients with cervical cancer (93.75%), HPV 16 being detected in 91 (81.25%) cases, and HPV 58 in 7 (6.25%) cases. HPV DNA was detected in 50 patients with CIN II-III (83.33%), HPV 16 being detected in 37 (61.67%) cases, HPV 58 in 5 cases (8.33%). HPV 18 was not common in this study. About 11% cervical cancer and 8.33% CIN II-III specimens exhibited multiple infections (p = 0.79). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of HPV 16 in Hubei, China, deserves attention as it has important implications for the usefulness of vaccine and the choice of diagnostic methods.