High HPV Viral Loads and Cervical Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Moberg M, Gustavsson I, Wilander E, Gyllensten U
Primary Institution: Uppsala University
Hypothesis
Is high viral load of human papillomavirus predictive of invasive cervical cancer?
Conclusion
High loads of HPV 16 and HPV 18/45 increase the risk of developing invasive cervical carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- HPV 16 was found in 45% of cases and 6% of controls.
- The odds ratio for HPV 16 viral load reached a maximum of 59 in the highest viral load percentile.
- HPV 18/45 showed significant odds ratios only in the highest viral load percentile.
Takeaway
If a woman has a lot of a certain virus called HPV in her cells, she might be more likely to get a serious type of cervical cancer.
Methodology
The study identified cases of invasive cervical cancer and matched controls from a screening program, analyzing HPV viral loads in smears taken prior to diagnosis.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias in choosing controls from the screening program.
Limitations
The study may not account for all confounding factors influencing cervical cancer risk.
Participant Demographics
Cases and controls were women born between 1922 and 1968, with a mean age of 34.7 for cases and 30.9 for controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 21.9–151.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website