Does Co-Infection with HPV 16 Have a Worse Effect on Cervical Pathology than HPV 16 Alone?

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the presence of other HPV genotypes in addition to HPV16 infection has a negative effect on pathological outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using data from patients followed up at the Gynaecological Oncology Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital between 2017 and 2025. Patients who were HPV16-positive and also carried other genotypes in addition to HPV16 were included in the study. HPV genotyping was performed using the Hybrid Capture 2 and CLART Genomica systems. Results: Of the total 2,700 HPV (Human Papillomavirus) -positive women, 524 were HPV16-positive only, while 358 were positive for HPV16 along with other genotypes. Histopathological results, including CIN 2/3, HSIL, and invasive cancer, did not show significant differences between the two groups (p>0.05). However, abnormal colposcopy findings were statistically more prevalent in the co-infection group (p=0.037). Cigarette smoking was associated with a 1.27-fold increased risk for co-infection (p=0.026). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that HPV16 is the primary determinant in the development of high-grade cervical pathology, and the presence of other high-risk HPV types does not significantly worsen histopathological outcomes. The results support the importance of a risk-based approach in cervical cancer screening processes and emphasize the need to prioritise early diagnosis and preventive interventions in HPV16-positive individuals.