[Prevalence of genital HPV infection among women screened for cervical cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of high-risk genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection by age group and risk factors associated.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study in a sample of 2,300 women (15-65 years old) who self-referred to cervical cancer screening in Sao Paulo and Campinas, Southeastern Brazil, between February 2002 and March 2003. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied and cervical specimens were obtained for cytology and hybrid capture II test (HCII) for HPV detection. Statistical analysis included Pearson Chi-square and unconditional multiple logistic regression model (forward likelihood ratio).


RESULTS
High-risk genital HPV infection prevalence in this sample was 17.8% and age distribution was as follows: 27.1% (<25 years), 21.3% (25-34 years), 12.1% (35-44 years), 12.0% (45-54 years) and 13.9% (55-65 years). Subjects with the highest number of lifetime sexual partners had the highest rates of genital HPV infection. To be living with a partner, aged 35 to 44 years, and former smokers were protective factors. High-risk genital HPV infection was 14.3% in normal cytology, 77.8% in high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and in the two cases (100%) of cervical cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
High-risk HPV prevalence was high in the sample studied. The highest prevalence of HPV infection was seen in women under 25 years old and then a new increase was seen over the age of 55 and the highest rates were found among those with many sexual partners during their lifetime.
Rama
Cristina Helena
CH
Hospital Leonor Mendes de Barros, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. crisrama@usp.br
Roteli-Martins
Cecilia Maria
CM
Derchain
Sophie Françoise Mauricette
SF
Longatto-Filho
Adhemar
A
Gontijo
Renata Clementino
RC
Sarian
Luís Otávio Zanatta
LO
Syrjänen
Kari
K
Aldrighi
José Mendes
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology