Association between Histological Diagnosis and High-Risk HPVGenotyping Clinically Suspected Precancerous Lesions of Cervix

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited access to screening and vaccination programs. This study evaluates the association between high-risk HPV genotyping and histological diagnoses in clinically suspected cervical lesions in Bangladesh, focusing on precancerous conditions. Methods & Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 51 women with clinically suspected cervical lesions. Cervical swabs were analyzed for high-risk HPV genotypes using RT-PCR, and histological diagnoses were categorized into precancerous (CIN I, CIN II, CIN III) and cancerous lesions. Cytological findings were assessed using the 2014 Bethesda system. Data were analyzed for associations between HPV genotypes, histological diagnoses, and cytological findings. Results: HPV 16 was the most prevalent genotype (41.18%), significantly associated with high-grade lesions such as CIN III (66.7%) and CIN II (33.3%). Nearly half of the cases (47.06%) were HPV-negative, predominantly in low-grade lesions like CIN I and NILM. Co-infections were rare (1.96%) and observed in severe lesions. The highest prevalence of high-grade lesions was seen in women aged 41–50 years. ASCUS was the most common cytological finding in CIN I (78.6%), while HSIL was most strongly associated with CIN II and CIN III. Significant associations were observed between HPV genotypes, histological diagnoses, and cytological findings (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study underscores HPV 16's key role in cervical cancer and highlights the need for improved HPV genotyping, screening, and vaccination in Bangladesh.