TITLE:
Prevalence and Genotypic Distribution of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Precancerous Lesions of the Cervix in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda, Fabien Gael Mouamba, Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba, Noblesse Prestina Miankoukila, Paola Candyse Tsimba Lemba, Bredin Rock Bissala Nkounkou, Donatien Moukassa
KEYWORDS:
High-Risk HPV, Precancerous Lesions, Cervix Uteri, qPCR, Brazzaville, Congo, Genotyping
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
18,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary etiological agent of cervical cancer. In the Republic of Congo, data on the distribution of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of HR-HPV genotypes in archived precancerous cervical lesion samples in Brazzaville. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 83 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cervical biopsies collected between 2020 and 2022. Following DNA extraction, HR-HPV detection and genotyping were performed using multiplex qPCR targeting HPV16, HPV18, and a pool of 12 other oncogenic genotypes. Statistical significance was assessed using Fisher’s exact test and continuity-corrected odds ratios (OR). Results: Successful gene amplification was achieved in 69.9% (58/83) of samples. The overall HR-HPV prevalence was 55.4% (46/83) for the entire cohort and 79.3% (46/58) among samples with confirmed DNA quality. HPV16 was the most frequent genotype (78.3%), followed by HPV18 (17.4%). A significant correlation was found between HPV16 and lesion severity (p = 0.006), with 100% of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) testing positive for HPV16. In contrast, HPV18 and other genotypes were exclusively detected in low-grade lesions (LSIL). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of HPV16 in precancerous lesions in Brazzaville, reinforcing its critical role in local cervical carcinogenesis. Current vaccination strategies targeting types 16 and 18 appear highly relevant for the Congolese context.