Title : Global distribution and oncogenic mechanism of HPV genotypes: Molecular insights into gene regulation and cervical cancer progression: A review
Abstract:
Background:
HPV strains are among the highest causes of Cervical cancer globally, and some high-risk genotypes have shown high oncogenicity. It is crucial to comprehend where the genotypes are distributed worldwide and regionally to perform successful vaccination and screening programs. This scoping review will describe the global and regional variety of HPV genotypes and determine their oncogenic potential.
Objective:
To define trends in the prevalence of genotypes of high-risk HPV that are connected with cervical cancer in different blocks of the globe, and to underline the inconsistencies in data, the coverage of vaccination, and the screening service.
Methods:
The latest research on the topic, which was published in 2010 or later (up to 2025), was downloaded from the main scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Articles that indicated genotype-specific prevalence of HPV in cervical cancer or precancerous lesions were considered. It derived data that were synthesized and then compared using various regions like Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Results:
Internationally, HPV-16 and HPV-18 reveal an overall prevalence of cervical cancer of nearly 70%, which makes them high-oncogenic risk. Nonetheless, it varies a lot by region. The HPV52 and HPV58 were more abundant in East and Southeast Asia, and HPV45 and HPV35 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Other types that, in Latin America and some European countries, became noticeably high-risk types are HPV-31 and HPV-33. Most of these region-specific genotypes are not excluded by the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines currently available. On the one hand, the nonavalent vaccine has a wider range of coverage; on the other hand, it is mostly unavailable in low-income countries. Maintenance of dual infections with various high-risk HPV genotypes was also noted in several studies and can enhance the likelihood of cancer and determine the efficacy of vaccines. There is a paucity of HPV testing and reporting in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), which compounds the data deficit, hinders surveillance, and policy formulation.
Conclusion:
HPV genotypes of the different regions vary according to oncogenic profile. A region-specific vaccination and screening scheme is important in the process of cervical cancer prevention. The focus of any future research should include HPV genotype surveillance in neglected areas to promote fair and evidence-driven intervention in the global health spectrum.
