HPV PCR in Pap Smear of Women with Genital Warts in Sari Touba Clinic

In detection of precancerous lesions of the cervix, HPV testing is more sensitive than cytology alone. This study aimed at investigating PCR HPV in Pap smear specimens in women in Sari, Iran.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed to investigate the prevalence of HPV in Pap smear samples of women attending dermatology, infectious diseases, or women centers in Sari Touba Clinic due to cutaneous warts. Two samples were taken from 50 patients by brush or spatula; one sample for Pap smear and cell cytopathic effects and the second sample was used for HPV PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS V22.

There were three (6%) HPV-positive samples. Ten patients (20%) had a history of sexual contact with a person with warts. Findings showed significant relationships between HPV infection and history of contact with a person with warts and a history of recurrent vaginal infections (P<0.01).

In this study, the majority of Pap smear results showed mild or moderate inflammation. Also, there was a significant relationship only between HPV infection and history of contact with a person with warts and history of recurrent vaginal infections. Accurate and timely diagnosis of HPV can facilitate early detection and prevent cervical cancer in Iranian women.