DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i08.033

Pages: 2791-2796

The present observational study is aimed at calculating the proportion of females aged 21-50 years, in a sample of 200, infected with HPV, by analysing their pap smears. The pathological diagnosis for these samples consisted of inflammatory changes, bacterial vaginosis, fungal infection, low and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and koilocytosis. Objectives: To screen the cervical smears for HPV infection and calculate its proportion in the sample. Methods: Observational, Cross sectional study (n=200) of Pap smears sent to the Department of Pathology, from outpatients of Department of Gynaecology of a tertiary care hospital in a rural area. Results: 18 out of 200 (9%) of the samples were positive for HPV infection, while the others were associated with benign changes, such as inflammation, bacterial vaginosis, fungal infection such as candida, LSIL and HSIL. Conclusions: Pap testing is an excellent tool for detection of HPV infection. It is economic and easily accessible to most of the population. The high prevalence of HPV in the population signals the need for awareness and regular screening to aid in early intervention and subsequent prevention of cervical malignancy.