HPV genotypes in Africa: comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread and diverse group of viruses that are responsible for various clinical conditions, including cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. In Africa, the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes vary significantly across different regions. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, geographical distribution, and evolutionary dynamics of HPV genotypes across various African countries to provide insights into the prevalence and transmission patterns of HPV. A total of 9203 genome sequences of HPV isolates from cervical samples from 21 African countries were obtained from the GenBank database. Of these, 184 were identified as unique sequences and were used for further analysis. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the African HPV sequences share genetic ancestry with European sequences, whereas American isolates are less closely related. Migration analysis revealed a significant asymmetry in HPV flow, with migration rates from Africa to Europe consistently exceeding those in the opposite direction, suggesting that Africa is a major source of HPV genetic variants entering Europe. This interconnectedness underscores the intricate interplay of historical, regional, and cultural determinants that have collectively contributed to shaping the genomic landscape of African strains. The geographically variable HPV genotypes 35, 31, 16, 18, 58, 45, 7, and 66 are the most common in Africa. Algeria, Morocco, Rwanda, and Guinea have diverse genotypes, and the rates of infection are highest in the Republic of Congo and Chad.