Correlation of different HPV genotype viral loads and cervical lesions: A retrospective analysis of 1585 cases.

BACKGROUND

To reduce unnecessary examinations and treatments, an effective detection method for differentiating human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive patients is urgently needed. This study aimed to explore the differences in HPV viral loads across various cervical lesions and identify the optimal cutoff value for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with varying degrees of cervical lesions admitted to a hospital between January 1, 2023, and March 1, 2024. The HPV genotype and viral load were determined using BioPerfectus multiplex real-time assay. The differences in HPV genotype viral loads among cervical lesion classifications were analyzed to identify the most applicable type of viral load.

RESULTS

The viral loads of HPV16, HPV31, HPV33, HPV35, and HPV58 were significantly associated with the grade of cervical lesions (p < .05), with the HPV16 group exhibiting the strongest correlation (p < .01). The HPV16 viral load demonstrated good sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for predicting HSIL (Se = 81.52%, Sp = 64.13%). The three most prevalent HPV genotypes associated with negative, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and HSILs were HPV16, HPV52, and HPV58. HPV33 exhibited the highest prevalence of HSILs, followed by HPV16.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk HPV viral load is associated with cervical lesion classification. HPV16 viral load can effectively differentiate HSIL from LSIL with good Se and Sp.