Analysis of genotype and age distribution of cervical human papillomavirus infection in Futian District, Shenzhen, China

Abstract

Our study aims to understand the prevalence of cervical HPV (Human papilloma virus) infection, different subtypes causing infection and age distribution characteristics of women in Futian District, Shenzhen, China, to provide a reference for effective local prevention and treatment of HPV and targeted development and application of the HPV vaccine. Information on HPV results, age and HPV genotypes infected were collected and retrospectively analysed among women who attended the free cervical cancer screening programme conducted by the Shenzhen Futian District Government between 01 January 2016 and 31 December 2022 at our gynaecology outpatient clinics and medical check-up centres. There were 2792 positive cases among 27,738 females in Futian District, Shenzhen, with a positivity rate of 10.07%. Types 52, 58, 16, 68, 51, 39, 18, 31 and 33 were the top 9 infected genotypes in Futian District, Shenzhen, China. The high prevalence of these three genotypes, HR-HPV (High-risk human papilloma virus) types 68, 51 and 39, in the region is an important finding. Age-related differences in HPV infection rates were considerable, with the bimodal peak of the infection rate curve occurring in the age ranges of 30–34 and 60–65. The distribution of cervical HPV infection types in each region is unique, and different age groups have their susceptibility to different HPV genotypes. Geographical and age specificity should be considered in the therapeutic usage of vaccinations.