Human Papilloma virus Genotypes in Ghanaian women with Cervical Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Human papilloma viruses (HPV s) have been considered to be the necessary and central agents of cervical cancer among women with nearly 80% of cases found in developing countries. Objective: To determine HPV genotypes prevalent in Ghanaian women with cervical cancer. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Pathology Department, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Subjects: Ghanaian women 23 to 80 years diagnosed with cervical cancer. Results: Of the 50 samples genotyped, 49 (98%) were determined as positive for HPV DNA. Eight out of 18 different HPV genotypes were detected and all were high-risk types. In decreasing order of prevalence, were HPV 18 in 42 (84%) samples, HPV 16 in 12 (24%) samples, HPV 45 in three (6%) samples, HPV 39 in two (4%) samples and HPV 35, 52,56 and 66 in one (2%) sample each. Multiple infections were detected in 13 (26%) of the 50 samples, the most common co-infections being HPV types 16/18 (18%). Triple infections were found in two (4%) samples with HPV types 16, 18 and 39. HPV type 18 was more relatively frequent in adenocarcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas than in squamous cell carcinomas. Conclusion: Eight high-risk HPV genotypes: 16, 18, 35, 39, 45, 52, 56 and 66 were typed, with HPV type 18 being the most prevalent in Ghanaian women with cervical cancer. This is contrary to the worldwide prevalence where HPV 16 is the most common type associated with invasive cervical carcinoma.

East African Medical Journal Vol. 87 No. 8 August 2010