Genotyping the human papillomavirus and associated risk factors in mono- and co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus among women attending KIU-TH

The study set out to identify the circulating “high-risk HPV (Hr-HPV) genotype” and examine the risk factors linked to HPV/HIV co-infection and HPV single infection among women receiving medical attention at the Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). A total of 114 women attending the KIU-TH Clinton Health Accesses Initiative (CHAI) and gynecology units were enrolled. Questionnaires were administered and information regarding the “risk factors associated with Hr-HPV infection” was collected. Subjects were examined for cervical cytological features with use of “visual inspection with acetic acid” (VIA) and Pap smears, and HPV genotype were assessed using the Xpert gene. The analysis of data was done using SPSS v29. The study hypotheses were tested at the common level of P ≤ 0.05. In this study, 37(32%) patients were positive for VIA, 28(24%) were Pap smear-positive, and 3(3%) and 2(2%) were atypical “squamous cells” of undetermined significant (ASCUS) positive for VIA and Pap smears, respectively. Furthermore, a study revealed that 20% of Hr-HPV was from co-infections and 10% from mono-infections. The circulating Hr-HPV genotype were HPV (17.2%), HPV16(9%), and HPV 18/45(7%). Results showed significant relationships (P < 0.05) between condom use, marital status and having many partners as “risk factors” and Hr-HPV infection. In contrast, age, education, vaccination, and educational level were not. This study revealed several factors linked to HPV infection and calls for the integration of cervical cancer screening using the combination of both VIA and Pap smear or gene Xpert, as well as creating awareness and implementation of vaccination programs within Bushenyi District and the country at large.