Human papillomavirus type distribution and HPV16 intratype diversity in southern Brazil in women with and without cervical lesions

BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) intratype variants (specific lineages and sublineages) are associated with pathogenesis and progression from HPV infection to persistence and the development of cervical cancer. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to verify the prevalence of HPV infection and distribution of HPV types and HPV16 variants in southern Brazil in women with normal cytology or intraepithelial lesions. METHODS HPV typing was determined by L1 gene sequencing. To identify HPV16 variants, the LCR and E6 regions were sequenced, and characteristic single nucleotide variants were identified. FINDINGS A total of 445 samples were studied, with 355 from cervical scrapes and 90 from cervical biopsies. HPV was detected in 24% and 91% of these samples, respectively. The most prevalent HPV types observed were 16 (cervical, 24%; biopsies, 57%) and 58 (cervical, 12%; biopsies, 12%). Seventy-five percent of the HPV16-positive samples were classified into lineages, with 88% defined as lineage A, 10% as lineage D, and 2% as lineage B. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study identified a high frequency of European and North American HPV16 lineages, consistent with the genetic background of the human population in southern Brazil.

Human papillomavirus type distribution and HPV16 intratype diversity in southern Brazil in women with and without cervical lesions.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) intratype variants (specific lineages and sublineages) are associated with pathogenesis and progression from HPV infection to persistence and the development of cervical cancer. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify the prevalence of HPV infection and distribution of HPV types and HPV16 variants in southern Brazil in women with normal cytology or intraepithelial lesions. METHODS: HPV typing was determined by L1 gene sequencing. To identify HPV16 variants, the LCR and E6 regions were sequenced, and characteristic single nucleotide variants were identified. FINDINGS: A total of 445 samples were studied, with 355 from cervical scrapes and 90 from cervical biopsies. HPV was detected in 24% and 91% of these samples, respectively. The most prevalent HPV types observed were 16 (cervical, 24%; biopsies, 57%) and 58 (cervical, 12%; biopsies, 12%). Seventy-five percent of the HPV16-positive samples were classified into lineages, with 88% defined as lineage A, 10% as lineage D, and 2% as lineage B. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a high frequency of European and North American HPV16 lineages, consistent with the genetic background of the human population in southern Brazil.

Prevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 at maternal and fetal sides of the placenta in asymptomatic pregnant women.

PROBLEM: Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) commonly causes orolabial infection, but can also infect the genital mucosa. In contrast, HSV-2 is usually genital. Genital herpes can transmit the virus vertically to the fetus during pregnancy. We sought to estimate the prevalence of HSV-1/2 on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. METHOD OF STUDY: Placental tissues were collected from pregnant women seen at the Rio Grande University Hospital. HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected by nested PCR. RESULTS: The prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 was, respectively, 28% and 12.6% (maternal side) and 29.9% and 8.3% (fetal side). All HSV-positive women were asymptomatic. Sexual behavior, vaginal delivery, and presence of HSVs on one side of the placenta were risk factors associated with HSV infection. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of HSVs in placental tissue was high, especially for HSV-1. Novel strategies need to be implemented for the management of asymptomatic women who might transmit HSV to their newborns.