Epidemiology of HPV Infection and HPV-Related Cancers in Kazakhstan: a Review

Abstract

Background: Cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of mortality worldwide. In the cervix it is considered to be<br />caused by different high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. Although many studies have already been conducted<br />worldwide on the epidemiology of HPV infection and their oncogenic properties, limited data are available on HPV<br />prevalence, incidence and genotype specific dissemination in Kazakhstan. Methods: To review the distribution of HPV<br />infection, electronic databases (e.g. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer reviewed<br />articles in English. The study was performed during June-July 2017 with a review of 39 relevant articles, published up<br />to July 31, 2017. The following inclusion criteria were applied: general population data, cytology results available, and<br />use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or Hybrid Capture® 2, Digene Corp., USA for HPV detection. Results:<br />As reported in limited studies, the prevalence of HPV infection in Kazakhstan ranges from 43.8% to 55.8%. However,<br />the scenario with regard to epidemiology of HPV related cancers in Kazakhstan is not very clear. One study reported a<br />decline of laryngeal cancer observed during the recent years, whereas cervical cancer incidence has increased to about<br />3000 new cervical cancer cases, and about 1,000 cervical cancer deaths each year. Conclusion: The high incidence<br />of cervical cancer with a significant mortality rate in Kazakhstan is evidence of HPV infection abundance despite an<br />absence of HPV screening and low public awareness of the problem. Having a well-informed understanding of the role<br />of HPV infection could enhance the public's acceptance of screening and intervention programs to reduce morbidity<br />and mortality in the country due to HPV infection. Thus, the purpose of this review article is to summarize the existing<br />data, identifying directions for future research on HPV epidemiology and HPV-related diseases in Kazakhstan.