A Serological Epidemiological Survey of Antibodies against 4 HPV Subtypes in Uygur Women in Xinjiang.

This study evaluated the distribution of antibodies against 4 human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes and their related factors among Uygur women in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2006 to May 2007 involving 883 Uygur women aged 17-54 years living in Yutian County. Demographic indicators, disease history, sexual behavior history, and other parameters were recorded at the interview using a questionnaire. A fluorescence detection method was used to quantify anti-HPV6, -11, -16, and -18 antibodies in venous blood serum. The rate of positive detection of any anti-HPV antibody (anti-HPV6, -11, -16, and -18) in the study population was 13.4%, and the individual positivity rates were 9.5%, 2.6%, 4.3%, and 0.7%, respectively. Peak rates of positivity for the anti-HPV16 antibody were found in women who were 36-40 and 46-50 years old. Seroprevalence of HPV16, which is high-risk for cervical cancer, was associated with the numbers of sexual partners. The rate of infection with high-risk HPV was low among Uygur women from rural areas, although there is a high incidence of cervical cancer in this group. Loyalty to one sexual partner decreased the risk of high-risk HPV infection. This study may provide useful reference data for the prevention and treatment of HPV and cervical cancer and for the application of HPV vaccines.