Y chromosome DNA in cervicovaginal self-collected samples of childbearing age women: Implications for epitheliotropic sexually transmitted infections?

Abstract

Assuming a possible association between Y chromosome (Yc)-DNA and sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission rate, could Yc-DNA be related to an increased prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/2) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)? Could Yc-DNA be used to validate self-reported condom use and sexual behaviors? Cervicovaginal (CV) self-collected samples of 612 Portuguese women at childbearing age were tested for Yc, HPV, HSV-1/2 and CT by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence of Yc, HPV, CT and HSV-2 was 4.9%, 17.6%, 11.6% and 2.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant trend for increased Yc-DNA prevalence in HPV positive samples [odds ratio (OR) 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-5.31] and oral contraceptive (OC) use (OR 4.73, 95% CI 1.09-20.44). A protective effect of condom use was observed in Yc-DNA detection (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.89). No statistically significant difference was found between Yc-DNA, CT and HSV-2 infection. HPV infection risk increased with age (>20 years), young age at first sexual intercourse (FSI) (≤18 years), >1 lifetime sexual partner (LSP) and OC use. Risk factors for CT infection were young age (≤20 years) and young age at FSI (≤18 years). HSV-2 infection risk increased with age (>20 years) and >1 LSP. Considering the prevalence of HPV and CT in Yc positive samples, we hypothesize a current infection due to recent sexual activity. The study of Yc PCR may add information as (i) a predictor of STI transmission and (ii) an indicative biomarker to validate self-reported condom use.