Distribution of Human Papilloma Virus Genotypes Among Women at Harare Lancet Clinical Laboratories from January 2024 to December 2024

Abstract

The infection caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a public health concern with a significant number of females being infected with the virus. Scarcity of data regarding the distribution of genotypes in Zimbabwe was noted. This was the knowledge gap that this study sought to address. A research on HPV was therefore necessary in order to establish the genotypes that were commonly detected among the study population. The information obtained may add insights to the national HPV infection and genotype statistics. The study aimed to determine the distribution of HPV genotypes among women. Three objectives for the study were to determine the prevalence rate of HPV infection, to identify the common genotypes that were detected as well as identifying the age group that was mainly infected. The study was a retrospective cross sectional in a total of 366 samples from women who visited Lancet Clinical Laboratories between January and December 2024. Simple random sampling was used to select the participants. Only samples within the time frame mentioned were considered. No payment was made to the participants. Informed consent to carry out the study was sought from Lancet laboratories through the laboratory manager. The data extraction sheet as shown in appendix 3 was used to compile the data which was then presented in tables, charts and graphs. The results obtained revealed a prevalence rate of 23.2%. Genotype 16 being was dominant with 17.65%. Group B had 29% and group A had 13%. However these (A & B) groups comprised of more than 5 different genotypes. The mostly infected age group was 36-45 years as well as 26-35 years with a prevalence rate of 30.59% and 29.4% respectively. There is therefore a need to prioritize such age groups in HPV screening. The study showed a decrease in the rate of infection as the age increased. A 23.2% prevalence rate highlights the ongoing public health concern. This study therefore concluded that close to a quarter of the studied population was infected with HPV and genotype 16 dominated. Given the dominance of genotype 16, there is need for targeted prevention strategies. The results obtained may contribute valuable data to national HPV statistics which will then guide in crafting effective interventions and monitoring the impact of vaccinations and campaigns for HPV.