Prevalence of HPV Genotype in Cervical Cells Among Iraqi Patients with Abnormal Pap Smears

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of malignant related mortality among women specifically in developing countries.  Research evidence has shown that Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and the cause of the vast majority of cervical cancer cases. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of molecular 16 and 18 genotypes of HPV among Iraqi patients with abnormal Pap smear findings by utilizing endpoint real time PCR for qualitative detection.The study included 90 Pap smear specimens belonging to women complaining from gynecological problems and another ten specimens obtained from apparently healthy women. Samples were collected from two major Oncology hospitals in Baghdad during the period from April, 2015 to April, 2016. Total DNA (genomic, mitochondrial, and viral) isolated from the Pap smear samples for molecular studies was examined utilizing genomic DNA purification kits of Qiagen ( QIAamp DNA Mini Kit  /Germany).Pap smear cytological examination revealed that lesions in the forms of ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL and Squamous Carcinoma were observed   in 23.3. 22, 20 and 3.3%  respectively. The molecular detection method (Real Time PCR) showed that 16 and 18 genotypes were demonstrated in 23% of patients with HPV infections. An effective method has been used for detection of HPV genotypes yielding higher sensitivity by using global diagnostics kit.