Investigation of infection with human papillomavirus in areas of high and low incidences of cervical carcinoma in Sichuan Province]

From Jan. to Oct. 1989, we investigated the role of various life style and dietary factors in areas of high and low incidences of cervical carcinoma, as well as infection with types 16 and 33 of human papillomavirus (HPV) in populations. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect the infection with HPV 16/33. The result showed that the infection rate of HPV was about 17.9% (Guangyuan, area of high incidence of cervical cancer), and the infection rate about 3.4% (Mian Zhu, area of low incidence of cervical cancer). It was clear that Guangyuan was 5-fold as the infection rate of HPV 16/33 as Mian Zhu. Strong and statistically significant associations were found to between infection rate of Guangyuan and Mian Zhu (P < 0.001). Other risk factors of cervical carcinoma, such as cigarette smoker, Vegetable intake, genital hygiene, personal hygiene etc, were also discussed and analysed in the article.