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\begin{document}

\title{High-risk HPV prevalence in Pakistani females highlights need for robust
cervical cancer screening}



\author[1]{Zahra Hasan}%
\author[1]{Aliya B. Aziz}%
\author[1]{Mishgan Azam Akhtar}%
\author[1]{Kiran Iqbal Masood}%
\author[1]{Sarfraz Ali}%
\author[1]{Amir Raza}%
\author[1]{Romana Idrees}%
\author[1]{Syeda Mahnoor Zaidi}%
\author[1]{Najia Karim Ghanchi}%
\author[1]{Nazneen Islam}%
\affil[1]{The Aga Khan University}%


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  \date{June 17, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
\textbf{Introduction} The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most
prevalent viral sexually transmitted infection globally, with cervical
cancer being primarily caused by persistent HPV infection. Early
diagnosis and monitoring of women with HPV infection can significantly
improve treatment outcomes and lower mortality rates. This study aimed
to determine the prevalence of HPV in cervical specimens sent to Aga
Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories for diagnostic testing.
\textbf{Methods} A retrospective review of 1062 test records from
2017-2022 was conducted, with high-risk HPV DNA testing performed by DNA
Hybrid Capture 2 method. \textbf{Results} Out of 1062 patients, 764
underwent a Pap smear test, with 14.9\% having abnormal epithelial
lesions. High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 180(16.9\%) cases, and biopsy
findings were available in 118 specimens (11.1\%). Squamous
intraepithelial lesions were the most common biopsy finding, followed by
non-specific cervicitis (36, 30.5\%), squamous cell carcinoma (16,
13.6\%), and adenocarcinoma in (6 ,5.1\%) women. HPV positivity was
correlated with cervical cytology and biopsy findings.
\textbf{Conclusions} The data shows a strong correlation between hrHPV
positivity and neoplasia in women tested in Pakistan, suggesting a delay
in HPV detection. Routine HPV testing is strongly advised for women to
screen for cervical cancer. Early diagnosis of high-risk HPV strains can
improve triage, treatment, and follow-up of infected patients. Raising
public awareness of the value of routine testing, early detection, and
treatment of cervical cancer and HPV can significantly lower morbidity
and mortality rates.%
\end{abstract}%



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\textbf{Hosted file}

\verb`amended HPV manuscript 26th June 23 final-zh.docx`  available at \url{https://authorea.com/users/309133/articles/652201-high-risk-hpv-prevalence-in-pakistani-females-highlights-need-for-robust-cervical-cancer-screening}

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