The association between human papillomavirus infection, vaginal microecology, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women from Xinjiang, China

Abstract Purpose This study analyzes the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaginal microecology, and cervical lesions to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer (CC) in the Xinjiang region. Methods Real‐time quantitative PCR was used for HPV genotyping and viral load. The Gram staining and dry biochemical enzyme kit were utilized to diagnose vaginal secretions. The χ 2 test and Logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The HPV infection rate among women in the Xinjiang region was 30.29%, of which the single HPV infection accounts for 77%. HPV16 and HPV52 were the main infection types. There was significant differences in the HPV infection rate and infection types among the Han, Uighur, Hui, and Kazakh ethnic groups. The viral load of HPV16 and HPV52 increases with the upgrade of cervical lesions. There were significant differences in vaginal microecology evaluation indicators H 2 O 2 , SNA, LE, GUS, trichomonas, clue cells, and lactobacilli among different ethnic groups. HPV negative patients with varying grades of cervical lesions exhibit a notable variance in H 2 O 2 and LE, which is statistically significant. Single HPV infection and high viral load HPV significantly increase the risk of CC. Conclusions This study indicates that HPV infection and vaginal microecology differ among ethnic groups, which have a strong correlation with the progression of CC, offering guidance on CC screening and interventions in the Xinjiang area.