High-Risk Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Infection among Women in the Republic of the Congo: A Systematic Review
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo; 2Department of Anatomy and Cytopathology, Brazzaville University Hospital, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo; 3Research Unit in Virology and Molecular Biology at the FSSA, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
*Corresponding author
Abstract:
Infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPV) is a major risk factor for cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Congo, epidemiological data remain limited and fragmented. This study aimed to synthesize available data on the prevalence of hrHPV infections, the distribution of circulating genotypes, and their implications for vaccination, screening, and prevention of cervical cancer in the Republic of the Congo. A systematic literature review was conducted using international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, AJOL, and SpringerLink). Studies on HPV prevalence, genotyping, and prevention were included according to predefined criteria. A total of 25 articles were selected based on methodological quality and contextual relevance. The analyzed data reveal high circulation of hrHPV among Congolese women, with an overall high prevalence ranging from 23% to 52%, depending on the population studied. The most frequently identified genotypes are HPV 16, HPV 35, and HPV 52, often associated with multiple infections. HPV 16 remains the predominant genotype in precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer. The observed genotypic diversity also includes several types not systematically covered by available vaccines. The high prevalence and diversity of human papillomaviruses (hrHPV) underscore the need to strengthen vaccination, molecular screening, and epidemiological surveillance to optimize cervical cancer prevention in the Republic of Congo.
Keywords:
Human papillomavirus; hrHPV; genotypes; cervical cancer; Republic of Congo.
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How to cite this article:
Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda, Paola Candyse Tsimba Lemba, Bredin Roch Bissala Nkounkou, Archange Michel Emmanuel Mboungou Malonga and Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba. 2026. High-Risk Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Infection among Women in the Republic of the Congo: A Systematic Review
Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.
15(7): 20-31
doi:
https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2026.1507.003
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