HPV genotype distribution among women with normal and abnormal cervical cytology presenting in a tertiary gynecology referral Clinic in Ethiopia.

Our study revealed a significant risk of infection with HR-HPV, in particular with HPV16 genotype, in women attending a referral center in Ethiopian women presenting with or without abnormal cervical cytology. Moreover, Pap smear cytology missed a significant proportion of women compared to those who were identified by PCR for HR-HPV infections. In addition, the PCR method we used was not suitable for sensitive detection of co-existent multiple infections. Data from the present study indicate that currently available HPV vaccines could prevent nearly 67% of all cervical cancer cases in women in Ethiopia.