Epidemiology, genotypic diversity and age-specific risk pattern of circulating human papillomavirus in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: a five-year study (2020-2024)

M. Arifur Rahman; M. Rafiqul Islam; M. Nabil Hasan; M. Sefaut Ullah; Israt Jahan; Rafi A. Morshed; Masum Parvez; Nadia Comonichi; Mohammad Aslam

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20252012

Authors

M. Arifur Rahman PCR lab, Ibn Sina Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Human Genetics Research and Training Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
M. Rafiqul Islam Human Genetics Research and Training Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
M. Nabil Hasan Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Quality Control, ACI Healthcare Limited, Narayanganj, Bangladesh
M. Sefaut Ullah Human Genetics Research and Training Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Medicare Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Israt Jahan Human Genetics Research and Training Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Rafi A. Morshed Human Genetics Research and Training Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Heritage School, Narayanganj, Bangladesh
Masum Parvez PCR lab, Ibn Sina Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nadia Comonichi Human Genetics Research and Training Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
Mohammad Aslam Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20252012

Keywords:

HPV, Epidemiology, Cervical swab, Women's health, Seasonal variation, Real-time PCR, Genotype distribution, Prevalence, Urban health, Temporal distribution

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted illnesses globally, particularly with certain high-risk genotypes known as the predominant etiological agents of cervical carcinoma, which remains a considerable public health threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like Bangladesh.

Methods: This study investigated the frequency, characteristics, and distribution of HPV genotypes among women in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, from 2020 to 2024. The HPV genotypes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from extracted DNA of cervical swab samples.

Results: Among 2049 tested participants, the overall HPV prevalence was 4.01%, with significant temporal variations observed throughout the study period. The highest number of positive cases, 29 (4.71%) out of 587, was recorded in 2024, while 2020 showed the lowest incidence, 1 (2.5%) positive case out of 39 cases. Seasonal analysis revealed higher case numbers during Winter (29%) and Autumn (30%), followed by Summer (26%), with Spring showing the lowest incidence (15%). Age distribution analysis indicated that middle-aged adults (35-50 years) represented the largest group with 37 cases, followed by adults aged 25-34 years (25 cases). The most prevalent genotype combination was HPV 16/31 (55 cases), followed by HPV 18/45 (16 cases).

Conclusions: This unique genotype distribution pattern differs from global trends and has important implications for vaccination strategies in Bangladesh. The findings suggest the need for broader-spectrum vaccines and age-specific screening programs, while highlighting the importance of considering seasonal variations in public health interventions.

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