Distribution and Genotype Diversity of High‐Risk and Low‐Risk Human Papillomavirus in Women Attending Diverse Healthcare Facilities in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

HPV infection is a common sexually transmitted viral disease and one of the most widespread in the world; however, few data are available regarding its genotype distribution in Iraqi Kurdistan. Understanding local human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence is essential for establishing baseline epidemiological data that can support prevention and control strategies. This report was aimed at determining the prevalence of HPV and detecting circulating genotypes among women visiting diverse health care settings in Sulaymaniyah. One hundred samples were obtained from the Maternity Governmental Hospital, the public dermatology clinic, and private laboratories. Viral DNA amplification was performed using the MY09/11 consensus primer set and type‐specific PCR for HPV6, HPV16, HPV18, HPV45, HPV51, and HPV56. The amplification of the expected fragment sizes indicated the presence of HPV DNA in positive samples. The results showed a wide variation in positivity rates from different clinical sources, with the detection rate being higher for wart swabs (79.2%) at the public dermatology clinic, followed by maternity hospital cervical samples (62.5%) and private laboratory smears (42.3%). HPV6 was the most common genotype; however, high‐risk types such as HPV16, HPV18, HPV45, HPV51, and HPV56 were also found. HPV prevalence was significantly higher among women aged 35 years and older compared to those younger. These findings provide the first structured evidence of HPV genotype distribution in the Kurdish region, highlighting significant variations by clinical source and age group, and offer a valuable reference point for future surveillance and public health planning.