Prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection among women in Chengdu from 2019 to 2024: a retrospective single-center study

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely associated with the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. This study comprehensively investigates HPV infection and subtype distribution among women in Chengdu from 2019 to 2024, aiming to provide scientific evidence for screening, prevention, and optimization of HPV vaccination strategies against cervical cancer and related diseases. Cervical exfoliated cell specimens from 65,130 female patients attended Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women the infection rates for pure HR-HPV, pure LR-HPV, and mixed infections were 13.86%, 3.90%, and 2.92%, respectively. The HPV detection rate was highest in those aged ≤ 20 years (46.01%) and among those aged > 60 years (35.37%), showing a bimodal distribution across ages. The top five HR-HPV subtypes detected were HPV52, 58, 16, 51, and 39, with infection rates of 3.71%, 2.81%, 2.56%, 1.83%, and 1.64%, respectively. The top three LR-HPV subtypes were HPV54, 42, and 40, with detection rates of 1.85%, 0.99%, and 0.93%, respectively. From 2019 to 2024, HPV detection showed a U-shaped trend, with a significant decrease in HPV16 detection rate and an increase in HPV42. Among other subtypes co-infected with the top five HR-HPV subtypes, HPV52 and HPV58 accounted for the highest proportion. After 2023, co-infections with LR-HPV increased. During 2019–2024, the HPV infection rate among women in Chengdu was high with an increase in detection rates after 2023. The co-infection patterns of HR-HPV are complex. Infection rates are highest among women aged ≤ 20 years and > 60 years. Priority should be given to young women for vaccination. HPV screening should be strengthened for women across different age groups. Developing vaccines targeting locally prevalent HPV subtypes is crucial for reducing infection rates and preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.