Human Papillomavirus Infection in Women Diagnosed at the Primary Healthcare
Emina Masic1 , Velma Rebic2, Sadeta Hamzic2, Salko Masic1, Erna Masic3
1 Private Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Clinic “VITA”, Vogosca, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 Private Psychiatric Practice “Dr. Erna Masic”, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Corresponding Author: Emina Masic MD. Private Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Clinic “VITA”, Vogosca, Bosnia and Herzegovina; E-mail: eminaa.masic@gmail.com; Phone: + +387 61 302 230; ORCID ID: 0009-0002-0318-731X
Cite this article: Masic E, Rebic V, Hamzic S, Masic S, Masic E. Human Papillomavirus Infection in Women Diagnosed at the Primary Healthcare. Sar Med J 2025; 2(2):110-115. 
10.70119/0038-25
Pages: 110 – 115 / Published online: 18 December 2025
Original submission: 19 October 2025; Revised submission: 16 November 2025; Accepted: 25 December 2025
Abstract
Introduction. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid virus transmitted primarily through sexual contact, although vertical transmission is also possible. HPV infection is highly prevalent worldwide and is a major risk factor for cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women.
Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study included 3,381 women examined at a primary healthcare gynecological outpatient clinic during 2024. Pap smear testing was performed in 570 women, while 137 women additionally underwent HPV testing. Data were analyzed according to age, Pap smear results, HPV status, and HPV genotype. Appropriate statistical methods were used to evaluate associations between HPV infection and cytological findings.
Results. Abnormal Pap smear findings were detected in 26.3% of women who underwent cytological testing. HPV infection was confirmed in 15.3% of tested women. High-risk HPV genotypes predominated, with HPV 16 being the most frequently identified genotype (42.8%). A statistically significant association was observed between HPV positivity and abnormal Pap smear results. Abnormal cytological findings were present in 85.7% of HPV-positive women compared to 18.9% of HPV-negative women. HPV-positive women demonstrated a 26-fold higher likelihood of abnormal Pap smear results.
Conclusion. The findings highlight a strong association between HPV infection and abnormal Pap smear results, emphasizing the importance of HPV testing and Pap smear screening in primary healthcare for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
Key words: human papillomavirus, HPV genotyping, Pap test.
