Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Prevalence and Type Distribution in Urban Areas of Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of death in Malaysia, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the principal aetiology that is responsible for its development. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of HPV types among different age groups, ethnicity, and areas in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A total of 764 women aged 20-74 years old within the cities of Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu underwent both cervical cytological assessment and HPV DNA analysis. Cervical cytology glass slides were prepared using the liquid base technique (Path TEZT TM). HPV DNA was extracted using TANBead ® Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit (Taiwan Advanced Nonotech Inc.), then the types were further identified using a DR.HPV Genotyping IVD kit. Results: The prevalence of HPV infection was 14.0% (107/764) with high-risk type at 10.7% (82/764) and low-risk type at 3.27% (25/764). The most common high-risk HPV types were HPV-52, 66, 33, 39, and 58 whereas low-risk HPV types were HPV-6, 40, and 81. The majority of HPV infections (80.37%) were detected in women with normal cytology results. The most prevalent HPV type among Chinese is 33 (n=6) followed by 16, 44, 58, 66 and 68 (n=5). Among Malays, HPV 16 and 51 were the two most prevalent types (n=2). The sensitivity of the HPV DNA test compared to cytology was 100% with a specificity of 88.37%. Conclusion: This study revealed that the most common high-risk HPV type among women living in urban areas in Malaysia is HPV 52, unfortunately which is not the type of infection the current HPV vaccine is covered for protection among females. These findings may contribute beneficial information to health care providers for the appropriate use of HPV vaccine in the prevention of cervical cancer in Malaysia.

High Prevalence of HPV 51 in an Unvaccinated Population and Implications for HPV Vaccines

“…Non-vaccine types of significant prevalence in geographical regions include HPV 39, 52, 68 and 81. HPV 52 and 58 were found to be the most prevalent types in a study in Ghana [ 33 ] and HPV 52 was the most prevalent type in a recent study in Malaysian women [ 34 ]. In addition to HPV 52, HPV 68 and HPV 81 have found to be prevalent in China [ 35 ].…”

Understanding exposomes and its relation with cancer risk in Malaysia based on epidemiological evidence: a narrative review

“…The two most important proteins in the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer are E6 and E7, which are responsible for the dysregulation of the cell cycle [ 67 ]. A study by Rahmat et al 2021 showed that the most common high-risk HPV type among women living in urban areas in Malaysia is HPV 52, which is not the type of infection the current HPV vaccine is covered for protection among females [ 68 ]. This data is very important because it might evidence to the stakeholders on why cervical cancers is still increasing in Malaysia despite the vaccines given.…”

Evaluation of a novel vaginal cells self‐sampling device for human papillomavirus testing in cervical cancer screening: A clinical trial assessing reliability and acceptability

“…AiM Reader (DR. Chip Biotech, Inc., Miaoli, Taiwan). 18 F I G U R E 1 Schematic diagrams of various components and procedures related to the self-sampling device and sample processing procedures in this study. (a) The self-sampling device provided to participants for the study is approximately 10 cm long, with a comfortable grip handle measuring 2.3 cm and a polyurethane foam sample collection pad embedded in the distal end.…”