The human papillomavirus associated with cervical cancer Letter to the editor.

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary etiologic agent associated with cervical cancer in more than 95% of cases. Vaccination and detection of high-risk HPV genotypes through molecular testing have become public health strategies for early detection of cervical cancer, which is the second cause of death among women over 30 years of age in Ecuador. We observed a molecular testing screening study conducted in primary care facilities in southern Guayaquil with the participation of 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. The study aimed to determine the incidence of infections and the prevalent HPV serotypes. Although women younger than 30 years were excluded from screening due to the high rate of spontaneous resolution of HPV in this age group, exceptions were made in cases with suspicious cervical lesions, recurrent infections, and cytological changes identified on Pap test.