Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among women from quilombo communities 
in Northeastern Brazil  
 
Version: 1 Date: 13 Sep 2017  
 
Reviewer: Peizhong Peter Wang  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
In this descriptive study, the authors reported results of a papillomavirus infection in Quilombo 
community in Brazil.   While this study seems to add some new knowledge,   it offers limited 
generalizability.     
1. Introduction: I agree with the authors health data about Quilombola are scarce.  However, 
this argument alone may not be sufficient to  justi fy the importance of this study.   Additional 
background information and importance of this study should be provided.    A major 
limitation is that the study lacks an adequate comparison group.  
2. As a public health paper, some laboratory description in t he method section can be 
simplified.   For example, some the description on pages 7 -8 can be greatly simplified.   The 
study participants were comprised of 395 Quilombola women receiving cytological 
examination local clinics.   This limitation should be di scussed.  
3. The results presented in seven tables are either univariate or bivariate.  I feel the number of 
tables can be reduced by better organizing the results.   
Are the methods appr opriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics   
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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