Genetic characterization of high-risk human papillomaviruses in Ukraine and Latvia to inform national policy of cervical cancer prevention

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer affecting women in EU, associated with high-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPV) infection. CC is preventable by HPV screening and HPV vaccination, both insufficiently efficient in widening EU countries as Latvia, and not supported in EU-associated countries as Ukraine, requesting policy change. To promote this, we will genotype and sequence regionally prevalent CC-causing hrHPVs, such data is cuiTently missing. This will dissect the long-term effect(s) of HPV vaccination in Latvia as compaied to non-vaccinated Uki’ainian population, identifying imprints of immune escape. We will also define molecular signatures of disease severity of diagnostic/prognostic value. Project results will draw attention of the health care authorities of both countries to the necessity to support and promote HPV screening and vaccination, taking stand in anti-HPV/anti-cancer compaign. Project will strengthen research cooperation in widening Europe.