High negativity of IgG antibodies against human papillomavirus type 6, 11, 16 and 18 virus-like particles in healthy women of childbearing age

Abstract

Objective: Few studies on human papillomavirus (HPV) seroprevalence have focused on low-resource areas where highest HPV DNA prevalence in the world occurs. This study aimed to assess the level of susceptibility to the most common low- and high-risk HPVs of sexually active women of childbearing age attending Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 91 such women (range 16-40, mean age 29.35 years) were consecutively recruited, after they had given consents to participate in the study. With interviewer-administered questionnaire, we collected pertinent demographic/behavioral data, and about 5 ml blood samples (aseptically) from each woman. Serum of each sample was assayed for HPV-6, -11, -16 and -18 virus-like particles using a HPV IgG ELISA kit. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: We observed a high overall anti-HPV seronegativity of 93.4% among the women. Group-specific seronegativity was also high ranging from 86-100%. Though the mean age of the 3 age-groups (16-18, 19-30 and 31-40 years) significantly differed, none of their variables showed statistical association with the seronegativity. Conclusions: With our observations of low evidence (6.6% seropositivity) of natural exposure of the women to the studied HPVs and their low level of enlightenment regarding HPV infection and its attendant consequences, we recommend a statewide enlightenment campaign and adequate vaccination with quadrivalent HPV vaccine of sexually active females.