Human papillomavirus prevalence and genotype distribution landscapes in Shannan City, Tibet Tibetan Autonomous Region, China

BACKGROUND: Data regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and genotype distribution are limited in Shannan City, Tibet Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. The purpose of this study is to provide reliable data for guiding women in Shannan City in cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccine innoculation. METHODS: HPV testing was performed on women aged 16–109 years (mean age 44.03 ± 9.25 years) from Shannan City in 2019 and 2020, which was implemented technically by gynecological examination, vaginal discharge smear microscopy, cytology, and HPV detection. The overall prevalence, age-specific prevalence, and genotype distribution were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 48,126 women received HPV testing, of which 3929 were detected human papillomavirus. The HPV-positive rate was 8.16% (3929/48,126), and the highest prevalence was in the ≤ 25-year-old age group (12.68%). After the age of 25, the prevalence rate decreased rapidly, and then slowly increased from 7.49% in the 46–55 age group to 9.82% in the ≥ 66 age group, showing a “U-shaped” pattern. The positive prevalence of HPV 16 or 18-only was 1.43%, that of other HPV genotypes except HPV 16 or 18 was 6.39%, and mixed HPV infections including HPV 16 or 18 was 0.34%. CONCLUSIONS: The HPV infection rate in Shannan city is rather low, and the age-specific prevalence of HPV infection presents a “U” curve, suggesting the importance of screening among younger women and the necessity of detection among older women.