Detection of human papillomavirus through HPV testing and its correlation with cervical cytology

Abstract

Introduction. Cervical cancer (CC) is a preventable disease primarily caused by persistent infection with highrisk human papillomavirus (HPV). Molecular HPV testing and cervical cytology are key tools for screening. Objectives. Evaluate the prevalence of high-risk HPV infection in patients attended at Interzonal Doctor Diego Paroissien Hospital during 2024, using molecular testing based on the algorithm proposed by the Provincial Cancer Institute of Buenos Aires; identify the predominant genotypes and analyze the correlation between molecular and cytological findings. Materials and Methods. A descriptive, observational, and retrospective study. A total of 2260 samples were analyzed following the screening algorithm of the Provincial Cancer Institute. HPV testing was performed using real-time PCR (cobas® 4800). Results were correlated with available cytological reports and clinical variables. Results. Twelve percent of samples tested positive for high-risk HPV. Among these, 75.3% corresponded to non-16/18 oncogenic genotypes, 16.2% to HPV 16, and 5.9% to HPV 18. Only 115 HPV-positive samples included transformation zone epithelium. Cytological alterations were observed in 38 cases, including one epithelial cell carcinoma and six high-grade intraepithelial lesions. No significant differences were found between genotypes and epithelial damage (p=0.76) or associated microbiota (p=0.935). Conclusion. HPV molecular testing demonstrated high sensitivity for early detection of oncogenic infections, even before cytological alterations appear, supporting its use as the primary screening method. Improving cytological sampling quality is recommended. Continued monitoring of local genotype distribution is essential for adapting prevention and vaccination strategies.