Detection of Biovars and Subtyping of among Women Referring to a University Hospital in Morocco.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of biovars and () serovars, their associated risk factors, and genital STI-related symptoms.

Methods: DNA obtained from cervical samples of 1053 women attending the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the laboratory of pathological anatomy of Hassan II university hospital of Fez, Morocco, was used to detect biovars ( and ) and to subtype by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Of the 1053 women examined, 25.4% (268/1053) were positives. The rates of and were 12.1% (128/1053) and 7% (74/1053), respectively, and the copresence of these biovars was noted in 6.3% (66/1053) cases. The subtyping revealed a predominance of the serovar 3/14 (61.4%). The association of demographics variables with biovars was studied and shows that the age ("<30" years) seems to be a risk factor of spp. and carriage (OR 1.729, 95% CI [1.113-2.687] and OR 1.848, 95% CI [1.026-3.330], respectively). There was no difference in the prevalence of type regarding symptoms. However, a significant association was found between serovar 1 and infertility ( = 0.011).

Conclusion: This first study conducted in Morocco provides an idea on biovars and serovars circulating in this region, their associated risk factors, and genital STI-related symptoms. Therefore, further studies are required to clarify and confirm the pathogenic role of these species.