Epidemiological study of HPV infection in 24,588 rural women in Luonan, China

Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue for women, with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rates exhibiting regional variations throughout China. This study examined data from a cohort of 24,588 rural women who engaged in cervical cancer screening in Luonan County from 2021 to 2023, utilizing high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing methodologies. The findings revealed an overall HPV positivity rate of 14.18 %, with hrHPV positivity rates of 13.99 % in 2021, 12.97 % in 2022, and 15.32 % in 2023. Infection rates increased with age, showing significant differences among age groups. Types 52, 16, and 58 were the most prevalent hrHPV types. Single-type infections were more common than multiple infections, with prevalent combinations such as HPV16 + HPV52, HPV52 + HPV58, and HPV51 + HPV16. The results highlight the imperative for improved screening, especially for women aged 60 to 64 residing in rural areas, and emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination and targeted screening for the prevention and eventual eradication of cervical cancer.