Molecular Detection of Human Papilloma Virus (Type 16,18) Using PCR and Its Frequency in Patients with Cervical Cancer in Iranian Women

Background & Objective: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. HPV is a heterogeneous virus, and a persistent high-risk HPV infection contributes to cancer development. This study aims to determine the relative frequency of HPV genotypes in Kerman, Iran. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 women with Pap smear samples, referring to a general laboratory in Kerman, Iran. Detecting two HPV genotypes was carried out using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. The sociodemographic survey was conducted for each HPV-positive woman. Results: Out of 50 cervical cancer patients, 33 women (66%) were HPV 16, 18-positive. HPV 16 (38%) was the most rampant type, followed by HPV 18 (14%) and HPV 16, 18 (14%). Conclusion: Studying the prevalence of HPV genotypes and their respective risk factors can lead to efficient vaccine development against the virus in each geographical area. It can also be beneficial for illness management and high sensitivity diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.