Master Thesis in Human Medicine

The project aims to explore the molecular epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) types and their clinical correlates in the patient population served by the University Hospital Basel from January 2021 to December 2026. Over this period, HPV genotypes have been characterized in 1'000 patients. While much has been learned about HPV in recent years, its molecular epidemiology has only been poorly studied in Switzerland to date.

A key focus of the study is to examine the circulating HPV types before and after the introduction of the new Gardasil vaccine and how these types are linked to clinical outcomes. Some studies have suggested that specific HPV types may be associated with more severe clinical outcomes, making it crucial to correlate these HPV types with clinical features in order to better understand their clinical impact.

To address this gap, your task would be to conduct a comprehensive chart review of individuals with HPV infections and assess the following clinical and health-related personal data:

• Basic demographics
• Immune status
• Underlying diseases
• HPV vaccination status
• Lifestyle factors
• Other sexually transmitted infections
• Patient treatment
• Patient outcomes

By understanding the distribution of HPV types and their relationship with these clinical factors, this research will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of risk factors for HPV infection and the development of HPV-associated lesions or cancers. Ultimately, this knowledge could improve the future clinical management of patients with HPV infections, enabling more targeted interventions and better outcomes.