J Pathol Transl Med.  2022 Sep;56(5):289-293. 10.4132/jptm.2022.08.02.

Evaluation of the characteristics of multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) infections identified using the BD Onclarity HPV assay and comparison with those of single HPV infection

• Kim J
• Kim M
• Park JY

• KMID: 2533705
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.08.02

Abstract

Background
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of cervical cancer and associated precursor lesions. Multiple HPV genotype infections have been reported. However, their clinicopathological characteristics still remain elusive.
Methods
For this study, 814 consecutive patients who had undergone colposcopy and HPV genotyping test using BD Onclarity HPV assay were retrospectively selected. Clinicopathological parameters of multiple HPV infections were compared with those of single HPV infection.
Results
Multiple HPV infections were found in 110 out of 814 cases (13.5%). Multiple HPV infections were associated with a significantly higher incidence of high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) compared with single HPV infection. Other high-risk HPV genotypes, in addition to HPV 16, were found more frequently in the multiple HPV infections group; these included HPV 51, 52, 33/58, 56/59/66, and 35/39/68. No specific coinfection pattern was not identified. Additionally, the number of HPV genotypes in multiple HPV infections was not associated with the progression to HSIL or squamous cell carcinoma.
Conclusions
Multiple HPV infections have distinct clinicopathological characteristics (compared with single HPV infection). As their biological behavior is uncertain, close and frequent follow-up is warranted.

Keyword

papillomavirus; Multiple HPV infection; Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; Squamous cell carcinoma

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype prevalence in high-grade intraepithelial lesions (A) and squamous cell carcinoma (B) in multiple and single HPV infections.

Reference

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