TITLE:
Molecular Epidemiology of High- and Low-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotypes among Female Students in Public Universities in Burkina Faso
AUTHORS:
Jamila Maria Yasmine Ouedraogo, Samiratou Ouedraogo, Stéphane Bénagabou, Benjamin Sombié, Prosper Bado, Estelle Ouedraogo, Théodora Mahoukèdè Zohoncon, Olga Mélanie Lompo
KEYWORDS:
Human Papillomavirus, Genotypes, Cervical Cancer, University Students, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer and represents a major public health concern in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to assess HPV prevalence and genotype distribution among female university students in Burkina Faso. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December 2024 across four major universities located in three cities: Ouagadougou (the capital), Bobo-Dioulasso, and Koudougou. Cervical samples were collected from sexually active female students aged 18 years and older who provided informed consent. HPV genotyping was performed using the HPV Direct Flow Chip kit, and data were analyzed using R software (version 4.4.2). Results: A total of 469 female students with a mean age of 23 ± 2.93 years were included. Overall HPV prevalence was 35.8%, with variations across study sites: Ouagadougou had the highest prevalence (45.1%), followed by Koudougou (29.9%) and Bobo-Dioulasso (24.6%). Among high-risk genotypes, HPV-16 was the most prevalent, followed by HPV-56 and HPV-52. The most common low-risk genotypes were HPV-62, HPV-81, and HPV-42. Multiple HPV infections were observed in more than half of the positive cases (55.35%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of HPV infection highlights the urgent need to strengthen HPV surveillance and to tailor cervical cancer prevention strategies to the local context.