[Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women in the province of Asti (Italy)].

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HPV infection in women in the general population and identify associated risk factors. Five hundred women participating in a cervical cancer screening program were included in the study which was performed in Asti between April 2005 and October 2005. The prevalence of HPV infection was 10.6%. The most common genotypes were types 18, 16, 51 and 31. Cigarette smoke and oral contraceptive use were found to be significantly associated with infection.