EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) SUBTYPES AND VACCINE IMPACT

Abstract

Despite being the leading cause of cervical cancer, only limited data exist concerning high-risk  Human papillomavirus (HPV) subtype distribution in Nigeria. This study investigated high-risk HPV genotypes among 600 women in Nigeria and analysed the actual impact of existing vaccines. Cervical samples were obtained from 18–65 year-old women across three geopolitical zones, and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with type specific primers directed against high risk genotypes (16, 18,31,,33,,35,,,45,,,52,,,,58,,,82). We also collected demographic and clinical data, including age, parity, and residence. Of these, high-risk HPV was detected in 29% of participants. Most frequent genotypes were HPV 16 (12%), HPV18(8 %),HPV31(4%), HPv35(3%) and other (2%). Vaccine coverage estimates indicate that the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines could prevent infection in 20% of participants, while up to 28% of high-risk infections theoretically can be prevented by nonavalent vaccine. Higher prevalence of infection was found in women aged 25–44 years and multiparous women, with a slight excess detected in urban settings. These findings demonstrate considerable subtype diversity outside of HPV 16 and 18, providing support for broader range vaccines as well as ongoing epidemiological surveillance. The combination of vaccination with community participation, education and cervical screening programmes is required to maximise the prevention from cervical cancer in Nigeria. The findings offer important guidance for national HPV vaccination policies and public health initiatives.