High-Risk HPV Genotypes Identified in Northern Honduras: Evidence for Prevention
Authors: Turner S. , Studwell C. , Deharvengt S. , Lyons K.D. , Plata J.A. , LaRochelle E. , Zapata A.M. , Kennedy L. , Bejarano S. 
Published: September 2018

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in Honduran women. Lacking national or population-based registries, we rely on hospital registries to establish incidence: San Felipe General Hospital in 2012 diagnosed 38% of 998 women and The League against Cancer Hospital (LCC) in 2016 diagnosed 54.4% of 695 women with cervical cancer CC. According to PAHO's Honduras Profile 2013, screening coverage with Pap was 48.1%. Bruni in 2010 reported a prevalence of high risk HPV (hrHPV) infection for Central America of 13%, identifying genotypes 16, 18, 52, 31 and 58 as most frequent. Information about pathogenesis of hrHPV to induce cervical lesions is based on models of genotypes 16 and 18 only. Aim: Inform evidence of hrHPV genotypes collected in Honduras from an urban and a rural population, generate discussion and subsequent improvement of cervical cancer control strategies in our country. Methods: In 2016, 2 clinical studies funded by Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth College and the LCC accrued 913 women: 401 in Locomapa Valley (rural), 111 in La Mosquitia (remote rural), and 401 in a textile factory in San Pedro Sula (urban). Women were consented, to obtain 3 cervical samples, during a cervical cancer screening brigade. One sample for conventional cytology, and 2 for hrHPV by PCR genotyping. One local with our customized PCR device and the second at Dartmouth. An educational component and survey were included. Positive patients identified with hrHPV, pre or invasive cancer were referred to LCC for treatment and follow-up. Results: In Locomapa and the factory (rural and urban sites) 13% of participants were positive for hrHPV. Only 15% had HPV 16. The following common genotypes varied by location: urban factory HPV 59, 12% in rural location HPV 58, 10%; HPV 31, 9%; HPV 39 8%; HPV 35 and 66, 7%; HPV 45 and 51, 6%; HPV 18 and 56, 3%; HPV 33 and 52, 1%. 17% of women had multiple hrHPV coinfection. 7.7% had abnormal Pap tests. In La Mosquitia (remote rural), 24% of women were positive for hrHPV: HPV 52, 29%; HPV 16, 23%; HPV 39, 10%; HPV 68, 6%; HPV 58, 6%; HPV 45, 6%; HPV 51 and HPV 31, 18, 66, 59 and 35, 3% each. 1.8% had abnormal Pap tests; all participants identified with hrHPV were referred for follow-up. The average age was 40.3 years, parity, 3 children, education 6.0 years; and 15% were first-time users of a cervical screening program. Conclusion: Associate the burden of disease, with risk factors, will help us to generate models of prevention and care that are reproducible and effective to reduce morbi-mortality. Brigade-type screening models, with trained providers working at a community location over a single day, can offer improved access for women at risk and facilitate educational activities for health promotion. Introducing tests as hrHPV DNA detection, effectively reduces the volume of women to follow. Strengthening the capacity of primary care with novel screening techniques and ensure diligent follow-up is essential.