Multicentric assessment of cervical HPV infection co-factors in a large cohort of Greek women

Abstract

Purpose of Investigation: Despite the general principle that persistent high risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection may progressively cause cervical cancer (CxCa), demographic aspects may still identify groups at high risk for HPV infection and consequently for precancerous lesions. The role of demographic parameters on cervical status, the diagnostic accuracy of cytology, HPV genotyping, and their possible combinations, were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: 11,072 women from diverse locations across Greece participated in the study. Liquid Based Cytologic (LBC) assessment was followed, when necessary, by HPV-genotyping and histologic confirmation. Demographic characteristics were also assessed. Results: Life style parameters such as age, number of sexual partners, condom use, parity and marital status, education level, and combination of smoking/condom use, were significant factors for CIN2+ lesions (p < 0.05). For LSIL+ detection, cytology had maximum sensitivity: 96.90%, HPV-typing: 72.55% and co-testing: 98.97%, for HSIL+ detection: 98.49%, 92.22%, and 99.55% respectively. Conclusions: There are notable relationships between lifestyle, demographic details, and cervical status. Despite the differences in sensitivity and specificity levels, co-testing might offer some marginal improvement in the detection of particular pre-cancerous conditions. ©2020 Mnimatidis et al

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