First Experience of Testing for Human Papillomavirus in the Republic of Tajikistan

Abstract

Introduction. The incidence, prevalence and mortality of cervical cancer in Tajikistan are increasing steadily. The World Health Organization has adopted a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Starting from 2020, for early detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the health system of the Republic of Tajikistan introduced visual screening at the national level. Human papillomavirus testing during the period of active implementation of visual screening is considered as an additional test due to limited resources, with the prospect of its wider use in HIV-infected women and urban populations as funding becomes available.

Aim. To study the most common types carcinogenic types of human papillomavirus among infected women in Tajikistan who present with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Materials and methods. The study involved 2 laboratories in the country, which have established a system of collection, transport and referral of patient samples with access in all regions of the country. 271,093 human papillomavirus tests were performed in the laboratories between 2017 and 2023 (6 years).

Results. The most common carcinogenic human papillomavirus was type 16 (in 23.3 % of observations). Types 18, 31, 53 and 66 were also in the top five. Types 52 and 58 were also detected, but less frequently than the first five.

Conclusion. The first experiences with the introduction into the system of human papillomavirus diagnostics tests for the detection of precancerous and cancerous diseases of the cervix are a promising direction. General data on oncogenic virus infection in the country have been obtained. The study is the basis for further integration of human papillomavirus testing into the system of cervical cancer screening and diagnosis.