HPV prevalence and HPV-associated disease are type specific. One 1995 study showed that HPV-types cluster by region. Type 45 predominates in West Africa while Central and South America show comparatively higher frequencies of type 39 and 54 (Bosch et al 1995). A 1989 study reported regional and ethnic variations in HPV-type prevalence in the US (Becker et al 1989). HPV types 16,18,33, and 45 are most commonly found in cervical cancers worldwide in order of prevalence. HPV16 is present in 50% of all cases while HPV18 accounts for 20%. HPV 16 and 18 also are the predominant types in newborns, though persisting only for a short time. Types 6 and 11 are commonly associated with genital warts (condyloma acuminatum) while types 2, 4, 29, and 57 occur in common skin warts.

Information on HPV prevalence worldwide is inconsistent since there is no standardized method of detection. There is virtually no data on HPV prevalence in developing countries. Many people infected with HPV may not develop symptoms for several months or have access to health care facilities. An estimated 60% of HPV prevalence depends largely on the accuracy of the detection methods.

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