HPV Acquisition Research Articles

Immunometabolic Contributions of Atopobiaceae Family Members in Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Dysplasia and Cancer.

In the cervicovaginal environment, HPV acquisition and cervical cancer progression are linked to non-Lactobacillus dominance, of which Atopobiaceae are key taxa. We hypothesize that Atopobiaceae modulates the cervicovaginal microenvironment to promote HPV persistence and progression to cancer. However, the extent to which Atopobiaceae impact the immunometabolic microenvironment is poorly understood. We investigated Atopobiaceae in a cohort of primarily Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women who were HPV-negative (n=20), HPV-positive (n=31) without dysplasia, diagnosed with cervical dysplasia (n=38), or newly diagnosed with invasive cervical carcinoma (n=9). Microbiome data was integrated with clinical and demographic surveys, immunoproteomics, and metabolomics data. Atopobiaceae identified were Fannyhessea vaginae, Fannyhessea massiliense, Fannyhessea species type 2, Lancefieldella deltae, and an unclassified species. A higher prevalence of Atopobiaceae was observed in women who were Hispanic and had higher gravidity and parity. F. species type 2 and F. vaginae were observed with infections of high-risk HPV genotypes 31 and 52. Atopobiacaeae were negatively correlated with Lactobacillus and positively correlated to Sneathia, Dialister, Anaerococcus, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium/Gardnerella. Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-12, TNFα), immune checkpoint proteins (PD-L1, LAG3), and cancer biomarkers (CEA, MIF, TRAIL) were positively associated with Atopobiaceae-rich profiles. Pro-oncogenic metabolites, including 4-hydroxybutyrate and sphingosine, were also elevated in women colonized by Atopobiaceae. Our data implicate Atopobiaceae in lipid modulation, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and immune evasion, which may contribute to cancer. This study highlights a key family of pathogenic cervicovaginal bacteria that could be exploited to monitor HPV persistence and/or targeted to prevent HPV-mediated cancer.

Oral HPV infection clearance and acquisition after nonavalent vaccination in men who have sex with men and transgender women: a prospective analysis.

Oral HPV infection is the main risk factor for the development of oropharyngeal carcinoma. Men who have sex with men (MSM), especially if living with HIV (PLWH), are at increased risk of infection and consequently of cancer development. Aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of nonavalent vaccine on oral HPV infection in a cohort of MSM and transgender women (TGW). This prospective study included all MSM and TGW who started nonavalent HPV vaccination from May 2019 to September 2021. Oral rinse was collected before each vaccine administration and after six months of follow up. Descriptive statistics were used. Kaplan Meier probability curves and Cox regression models for HPV acquisition and clearance were calculated. The analysis included 211 individuals (202 MSM and 9 TGW). PLWH were 138 (65.4%). Baseline oral rinse was positive in 30 subjects (14.2%). Positivity rate did not change over time (p = 0.742), even when restricting the analysis only to high-risk genotypes (p = 0.575) and to genotypes covered by vaccine (p = 0.894). The risk to acquire HPV infection was 12.8% at one year and 33.4% at two years after vaccination. The probability to clear the infection was 67.6% at one year and 87.9% at two years. HIV infection had no impact on vaccine efficacy. Age above 45 years was the only factor associated to HPV acquisition (aHR 4.06, 95% CI 1.03-15.98, p = 0.045). Prevalence of oral HPV infection was higher in PLWH, but HIV had no impact on viral clearance or acquisition after vaccination.

“Easy women get it”: pre-existing stigma associated with HPV and cervical cancer in a low-resource setting prior to implementation of an HPV screen-and-treat program

BackgroundCervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and early detection and treatment programs. However, for these programs to work as intended, stigma related to HPV and cervical cancer must be understood and addressed. We explored pre-existing stigma associated with HPV and cervical cancer in the public healthcare system and community of a low-resource setting prior to implementation of an HPV screen-and-treat program.MethodsThis study conducted thematic analysis of data collected during implementation of a novel HPV screen-and-treat system for cervical cancer early detection and treatment in Iquitos, Peru. We included 35 semi-structured interviews (19 health professionals, 16 women with cervical precancer or cancer), eight focus groups (70 community women), one workshop (14 health professionals), 210 counseling observations (with 20 nurse-midwives), and a document review. We used the Socio-Ecological Model to organize the analysis.ResultsWe identified three main themes: 1. the implication that women are to blame for their HPV infection through characterizations of being easy or promiscuous, 2. the implication that men are to blame for women’s HPV infections through being considered careless or unfaithful, 3. HPV is shameful, embarrassing, and something that should be hidden from others. Consequently, in some cases, women refrained from getting screened for HPV. These themes were seen at the individual level among women, relationship level among women, men, and family members, community level among healthcare staff, and societal level within components of cervical cancer guidelines and male chauvinism.ConclusionsCervical cancer early detection and treatment programs in limited resource settings must address stigma entrenched throughout the entire healthcare system and community in order to sustainably and successfully implement and scale-up new programs. Interventions to tackle this stigma can incorporate messages about HPV infections and latency to lessen the focus on the influence of sexual behavior on HPV acquisition, and instead, promote screening and treatment as paramount preventative measures.

Abstract C091: Newly identified Fannyhessea species contributions in HPV infection, cervical dysplasia, and cancer in two Arizonan cohorts

Abstract The vaginal microbiome can impact gynecologic health and disease. It is still unclear the extent to which the microbiome plays in the progression and development of gynecologic cancers. Fannyhessea vaginae is a key vaginal bacterium linked to bacterial vaginosis, HPV acquisition, and cervical cancer. F. vaginae was recently proposed for reclassification as three species: F.vaginae, Fannyhessea massiliense, and Fannyhessea species type 2. We hypothesize that these Fannyhessea species vary in terms of their host-microbe interactions which contribute to cancer progression/severity. We investigated the prevalence of Fannyhessea species in two of our Arizona-based HPV and cervical cancer cohorts recruited in Phoenix or Flagstaff area. The Phoenix (Phx) cohort included: women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer (ICC=9), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL=27), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL=11), as well as controls who were either HPV-positive=20 or HPV-negative without dysplasia=31. While the Flagstaff cohort (Flg) consisted of 31 women that were HPV-positive=7 or HPV-negative=24. The 16S rDNA sequencing information was analyzed with DADA2 and QIIME2 to identify the microbial composition of the cervicovaginal profiles of these patients. Statistical analyses are ongoing, utilizing survey data on these species to decipher their clinical associations with factors such as HPV status and genotype. The cohorts had a prevalence of 59.2% of Atopobiaceae bacteria in Phx and 38.7% prevalence in Flg cohort. We observed F. vaginae (50% and 38.7%, respectively), Fannyhessea species type 2 (16.4% and 25.0%, respectively), F. massiliense (21.0% and 18.8%, respectively) in these cohorts. Interestingly, in both dysplasia groups of the Phx cohort these species had an increased abundance, but it did not reach significance. Other clinical and demographic factors in both cohorts, vaginal pH (p = 0.0005 and 0.47, respectively), Native American race (p=0.002) and Hispanic ethnicity (p= 0.013 and 0.63, respectively), indicated significant species-specific differences in the prevalence of Atopobiaceae. Additionally, genital inflammation scores were higher in profiles that contained Atopobiaceae species (p= 0.05) in Phoenix cohort. In addition, microbial co-occurrence analysis identified that Fannyhessea species highly co-occurred with one another. Sneathia amnii, Sneathia sanguinegens, and other BV-associated bacteria also co-occurred with Fannyhessea species, indicating an association between multiple Fannyhessea species and a potential link to cancer that requires further investigation. This research highlights potential associations of BV-associated bacteria and their role in HPV infection and cervical cancer and investigates the relationship of underexplored Fannyhessea species in historically understudied populations that have the highest disease burden. The overall data from our study provide foundational knowledge on putative oncogenic bacteria that could be exploited to modulate the microbiome and improve cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Nicole R. Jimenez, Paweł Łaniewski, Naomi R. Lee, J. Gregory Caporaso, Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz. Newly identified Fannyhessea species contributions in HPV infection, cervical dysplasia, and cancer in two Arizonan cohorts [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C091.

Anogenital distribution of mucosal HPV in males and females before and after renal transplantation

IntroductionImmunosuppressive drugs taken by transplant recipients may favor HPV infection at anogenital sites. HPV-type prevalence was studied in males and females before and after renal transplantation. Patients and methodsAnal, cervical and penile samples were taken from 62 patients before transplantation and from 41 patients after transplantation. HPV DNA was investigated using the INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping extra test and HPV-type distribution determined. ResultsBefore transplantation, up to 30% of analyzed samples harbored HPV DNA, with the highest prevalence found in cervical specimens (60%). After transplantation, a trend toward HPV clearance was observed in females. By contrast, a trend toward incident infections by a wide variety of HPV genotypes at the penis and anal level was documented in men. ConclusionHigh prevalence of HPV at anogenital sites was documented before and after renal transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs taken after transplantation may impact HPV acquisition or reactivation, especially in males. Special attention should be paid in view of preventing HPV-associated diseases in this vulnerable population.

HPV-Related Cervical Cancer and Extracellular Vesicles

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in females worldwide. Infection with a human papillomavirus is crucial to the etiopathogenesis of cervical cancer. The natural trajectory of HPV infection comprises HPV acquisition, HPV persistence versus clearance, and progression to precancer and invasive cancer. The majority of HPV infections are cleared and controlled by the immune system within 2 years, but some infections may become quiescent or undetectable. The persistence of high-risk HPV infection for a longer period of time enhances the risk of malignant transformation of infected cells; however, the mechanisms responsible for the persistence of infection are not yet well-understood. It is estimated that 10-15% of infections do persist, and the local microenvironment is now recognized as an important cofactor promoting infection maintenance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane vesicles derived from both normal cells and cancer cells. EVs contain various proteins, such as cytoskeletal proteins, adhesion molecules, heat shock proteins, major histocompatibility complex, and membrane fusion proteins. EVs derived from HPV-infected cells also contain viral proteins and nucleic acids. These biologically active molecules are transferred via EVs to target cells, constituting a kind of cell-to-cell communication. The viral components incorporated into EVs are transmitted independently of the production of infectious virions. This mode of transfer makes EVs a perfect vector for viruses and their components. EVs participate in both physiological and pathological conditions; they have also been identified as one of the mediators involved in cancer metastasis. This review discusses the potential role of EVs in remodeling the cervical cancer microenvironment which may be crucial to tumor development and the acquisition of metastatic potential. EVs are promising as potential biomarkers in cervical cancer.

Social networks, high-risk anal HPV and coinfection with HIV in young sexual minority men

ObjectivesYoung sexual minority men (SMM) exhibit a high prevalence and incidence of high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus (hrHPV) anal infections and a confluence of a high prevalence of HIV and...

The interplay between the vaginal microbiome and innate immunity in the focus of predictive, preventive, and personalized medical approach to combat HPV-induced cervical cancer.

HPVs representing the most common sexually transmitted disease are a group of carcinogenic viruses with different oncogenic potential. The immune system and the vaginal microbiome represent the modifiable and important risk factors in HPV-induced carcinogenesis. HPV infection significantly increases vaginal microbiome diversity, leading to gradual increases in the abundance of anaerobic bacteria and consequently the severity of cervical dysplasia. Delineation of the exact composition of the vaginal microbiome and immune environment before HPV acquisition, during persistent/progressive infections and after clearance, provides insights into the complex mechanisms of cervical carcinogenesis. It gives hints regarding the prediction of malignant potential. Relative high HPV prevalence in the general population is a challenge for modern and personalized diagnostics and therapeutic guidelines. Identifying the dominant microbial biomarkers of high-grade and low-grade dysplasia could help us to triage the patients with marked chances of lesion regression or progression. Any unnecessary surgical treatment of cervical dysplasia could negatively affect obstetrical outcomes and sexual life. Therefore, understanding the effect and role of microbiome-based therapies is a breaking point in the conservative management of HPV-associated precanceroses. The detailed evaluation of HPV capabilities to evade immune mechanisms from various biofluids (vaginal swabs, cervicovaginal lavage/secretions, or blood) could promote the identification of new immunological targets for novel individualized diagnostics and therapy. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of local immune and microbial environment and associated risk factors constitutes the critical background for preventive, predictive, and personalized medicine that is essential for improving state-of-the-art medical care in patients with cervical precanceroses and cervical cancer. The review article focuses on the influence and potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of the local innate immune system and the microbial markers in HPV-related cancers in the context of 3P medicine.

Antibody responses to prophylactic quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine at 48 months among HIV-infected girls and boys ages 9–14 in Kenya, Africa

ObjectivesHIV infected children remain at increased risk of HPV associated malignancies as they initiate sexual activity. Though they mount a vigorous immune response to the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (QHPV-6, -11,-16, and -18; Gardasil®) vaccine, durability of the immune response is uncertain. We assessed antibody responses to HPV 6, -11, -16 and -18 for up to 48 months following administration of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in HIV-infected girls and boys ages 9–14 years in Kenya. DesignOf 178 girls and boys who had previously received three doses of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, 176 enrolled into extended follow up for 4 years. HPV antibodies to -6, -11, -16 and -18 were measured at 24, 36 and 48 months after the first vaccine dose using the total immunoglobulin G immunoassay (IgG LIA). We evaluated the magnitude and trend in HPV vaccine response and the effect of plasma HIV-1 RNA on HPV vaccine response from month 24 to month 48 of follow up. ResultsAt re-enrollment, 24 months after initial vaccination, median age of participants was 14 years (range 11–17); 167 (95%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy and 110 (66%) had plasma HIV RNA < 40 copies/mL. The rate of HPV seropositivity at 48 months was 83% for HPV-6; 80% for HPV-11; 90% for HPV-16; and 77% for HPV-18. There was a plateau in mean log10 HPV-specific antibody titer between month 24 and 48. The mean log10 HPV-type specific antibody titer for children with undetectable HIV viral load (<40) at the time of vaccination consistently remained higher for the 48 months of follow up compared to children with detectable viral load. ConclusionChildren with HIV infection may retain long term antibody response following HPV immunization. Further work to define whether HIV-infected children are protected from HPV acquisition with low levels of HPV antibodies is needed.

A prospective study of incidence of cervical HPV infection &amp; its association with aetiological factors &amp; cervical cancer in adult women of Jamnagar

Introduction: Etiological link between cervical cancer & HPV is independent of other risk factors but their geographic variations need to be explored. Cervical cancer with profile of Sexually Transmitted Disease has consistent causal connection with persistent cervical HPV infection, so such carrier women are at High risk. Thus, study evaluate risk of HPV infection in women of Jamnagar region by exploring aetiological determinants related to their sexual life. Aim: To explore incidence of cervical HPV infection along with its association with cervical cancer as well with commonly proposed aetiological factors in adult women of Jamnagar Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 2004 on random 110 women attending Gynecology out patient department of GG Hospital at MPSGMC Jamnagar by taking their cervical smear and administering them questionnaires about their sexual life. HPV infection was diagnosed based on cytopathic effects of HPV, by Microbiological staining techniques. Association of cervical HPV positive status of women in relation to common aetiological factors and carcinoma cervix were analyzed. Results: 10.9% of women exhibited cervical HPV infection out of them 20% belonged to higher age group (50-59 years) followed by 16.6% of young age group (20-29). 15.3% of women with HPV infection were having 6 -10 years of active married life. Accordingly 18.18% HPV infected women were multipara - bearing 3 - 4 children whereas nullipara had no HPV infection. 75% of women with carcinoma cervix were positive for cervical HPV which endorse strong causal connections. Conclusions: Study concludes that cervical HPV is prevalent in 10.9% adult women of Jamnagar region and is significantly attributable to cervical cancer. HPV positive woman have profile of sexually active life of initial years, early age at first coitus or had longer but active married life, so sexual transmission happens to be the predominant mode of HPV acquisition. Similarly, multiparity has aetiol

Human papillomavirus DNA detected in fingertip, oral and bathroom samples from unvaccinated adolescent girls in Tanzania

ObjectiveHuman papillomavirus (HPV) DNA has been detected in vaginal samples from adolescent girls who report no previous sex and, in high-income settings, from fingertips, raising the possibility of non-sexual transmission....

Model-estimated effectiveness of single dose 9-valent HPV vaccination for HIV-positive and HIV-negative females in South Africa

BackgroundWomen in sub-Saharan Africa have high dual burden of HPV and HIV infections, which can interact to increase cervical cancer (CC) risk. The 9-valent HPV (9vHPV) vaccine has high demonstrated effectiveness against HPV types causing 90% of CC. Additionally, one dose of the 9vHPV vaccine has the potential to achieve greater coverage at lower costs than a two-dose schedule. However, the potential impact of single-dose 9vHPV vaccine accounting for HPV-HIV interactions has not been estimated. MethodsWe adapted a dynamic HIV transmission model to include HPV acquisition and CC pathogenesis and projected the impact of a single dose 9vHPV preadolescent vaccination in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We report health impacts of HPV vaccination separately for HIV-positive women stratified by HIV treatment and CD4 count and HIV-negative women. ResultsAt 90% coverage of females age 9 years with 80% lifelong vaccine efficacy, single dose HPV vaccination was projected to reduce CC incidence by 74% and mortality by 71% in the general female population at 70 years after the start of the vaccination program. Age-standardized CC incidence and mortality reductions were comparable among HIV-negative women, HIV-positive women, and HIV-positive women on ART. Health benefits were reduced when assuming waning protection at 10, 15 and 20 years after vaccination. DiscussionSingle dose 9vHPV vaccination is projected to avert substantial CC burden in South Africa and similar high HIV prevalence settings. Health benefits were comparable across all female subpopulations stratified by HIV status, CD4 count, and ART status.

A novel intravaginal ring to prevent HIV-1, HSV-2, HPV, and unintended pregnancy

Women urgently need a self-initiated, multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) that simultaneously reduces their risk of acquiring HIV-1, HSV-2, and HPV (latter two associated with increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition) and prevents unintended pregnancy. Here, we describe a novel core–matrix intravaginal ring (IVR), the MZCL IVR, which effectively delivered the MZC combination microbicide and a contraceptive. The MZCL IVR contains four active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): MIV-150 (targets HIV-1), zinc acetate (ZA; targets HIV-1 and HSV-2), carrageenan (CG; targets HPV and HSV-2), and levonorgestrel (LNG; targets unintended pregnancy). The elastomeric IVR body (matrix) was produced by hot melt extrusion of the non-water swellable elastomer, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA-28), containing the hydrophobic small molecules, MIV-150 and LNG. The solid hydrophilic core, embedded within the IVR by compression, contained the small molecule ZA and the macromolecule CG. Hydrated ZA/CG from the core was released by diffusion via a pore on the IVR while the MIV-150/LNG diffused from the matrix continuously for 94days (d) in vitro and up to 28d (study period) in macaques. The APIs released in vitro and in vivo were active against HIV-1ADA-M, HSV-2, and HPV16 PsV in cell-based assays. Serum LNG was at levels associated with local contraceptive effects. The results demonstrate proof-of-concept of a novel core–matrix IVR for sustained and simultaneous delivery of diverse molecules for the prevention of HIV, HSV-2 and HPV acquisition, as well as unintended pregnancy.

Applying a Simple Model of Cost Effectiveness Study of HPV Vaccine for Iran.

HPV vaccine has been recently added to the Iran Drug List, so decision makers need information beyond that available from RCTs to recommend funding for this vaccination. Modeling and economic studies have addressed some of those information needs. We reviewed cost effectiveness studies to find a suitable model for Iranian population to determine the potential cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine program based on domestic available epidemiologic data. Articles were obtained from an extensive literature search to determine the cost effectiveness of implementing an HPV vaccination program with routine cervical cancer screening. A total of 64 studies were included in this review. Although the studies used different model structures, baseline parameters and assumptions (either a Markov, Hybrid, or Dynamic model). Most of the proposed cost effectiveness models need to model the probability of HPV acquisition, the possible progression from HPV infection to CIN I, CIN II, CIN III and cervical cancer, the probability of HPV transmission which are not available in Iranian epidemiologic data. Based on the available epidemiologic data in Iran, the simplified and it requires substantially fewer assumptions than the other more complex Markov and hybrid models, therefore we decided to use this model for the evaluation of cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine in Iran.

Rationale and design of a long term follow-up study of women who did and did not receive HPV 16/18 vaccination in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The Costa Rica Vaccine Trial (CVT) was a randomized clinical trial conducted between 2004 and 2010, which randomized 7466 women aged 18 to 25 to receive the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine or control Hepatitis-A vaccine. Participants were followed for 4 years with cross-over vaccination at the study end. In 2010 the long term follow-up (LTFU) study was initiated to evaluate the 10-year impact of HPV-16/18 vaccination, determinants of the immune response, and HPV natural history in a vaccinated population. Herein, the rationale, design and methods of the LTFU study are described, which actively follows CVT participants in the HPV-arm 6 additional years at biennial intervals (3 additional study visits for 10 years of total follow-up), or more often if clinically indicated. According to the initial commitment, women in the Hepatitis-A arm were offered HPV vaccination at cross-over; they were followed 2 additional years and exited from the study. 92% of eligible CVT women accepted participation in LTFU. To provide underlying rates of HPV acquisition and cervical disease among unvaccinated women to compare with the HPV-arm during LTFU, a new unvaccinated control group (UCG) of women who are beyond the age generally recommended for routine vaccination was enrolled, and will be followed by cervical cancer screening over 6 years. To form the UCG, 5000 women were selected from a local census, of whom 2836 women (61% of eligible women) agreed to participate. Over 90% of participants complied with an interview, blood and cervical specimen collection. Evaluation of comparability between the original (Hepatitis-A arm of CVT) and new (UCG) control groups showed that women's characteristics, as well as their predicted future risk for cervical HPV acquisition, were similar, thus validating use of the UCG. LTFU is poised to comprehensively address many important questions related to long-term effects of prophylactic HPV vaccines.

P3.056 Prevalent Human Papillomavirus in Tanzanian Adolescent Girls Who Report Not Having Passed Sexual Debut

ObjectivesThe HPV vaccine is recommended for girls prior to sexual debut since it is most effective if administered prior to HPV acquisition. Little research has been conducted in high HPV-prevalence...

P2.092 In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Carrageenan-Based Formulations to Prevent HPV Acquisition

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) constitutes one of the major sexually transmitted viral infections. Vaccines against HPV are commercially available but vaccination rates are currently low around the world due to parental...

The impact of human immunodeficiency virus on human papillomavirus transmission in heterosexually active couples

This study investigated HPV transmission and the factors influencing it in heterosexually active couples in South Africa. A total of 486 heterosexual couples were recruited at a health facility and returned at 6-monthly intervals. Cervical and penile HPV types were determined by Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping assay. HPV transmission was defined as the detection of a new HPV type in an individual whose partner was infected with the same type at the date of acquisition. The female-to-male HPV transmission rate was 2.80/100 person-months (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03-3.86) while the male-to-female HPV transmission rate was 1.17/100 person-months (95% CI: 0.82-1.67). HIV-positive women were found to be at higher risk of HPV infection transmitted from their male partners compared to HIV-negative women (RR (relative risk): 2.31, 95% CI: 1.08-4.92, P=0.03). HIV-positive men with CD4 counts <350/mL had a higher risk of HPV infection transmitted from their female partners compared to HIV-positive men with CD4 counts ≥350/mL (RR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.05-9.55, P=0.04). HIV infection and low CD4 counts increase the rate of HPV acquisition from sexual partner.

O10 Should sexual health services participate in the HPV vaccination programme? A national survey assessing HPV vaccination uptake in young GUM attendees

BackgroundIn 2008, a schools-based HPV vaccination programme was introduced for girls aged 12–13, with an accelerated catch up programme for those aged 14–18. A significant impact on cervical cancer rates...

Oncogenic HPV Types Infection in Adolescents and University Women from North Portugal: From Self-Sampling to Cancer Prevention.

This study aimed to characterize the HPV infection status in adolescents and young university women in Portugal. The distribution of HPV genotypes was evaluated by PCR DNA genotyping after self-sampling collection from 435 women of exfoliated cervical cells using a commercial kit. We observed an overall frequency of HPV infection of 11.5%. Furthermore, HPV DNA prevalence was 16.6% in those young women that self-declared as sexually active. The more frequently detected HPV types were 31, 16, 53, and 61. Statistical analysis identified median age (OR = 3.56; P = 0.001), the number of lifetime sexual partners (OR = 4.50; P < 0.001), and years of sexual activity (OR = 2.36; P = 0.008) as risk factors for HPV acquisition. Hence, our study revealed that oncogenic HPV infection is common in young asymptomatic women Portuguese women, with a history of 2–5 sexual partners and over 2 year of sexual activity. Moreover, these results demonstrate that HPV detection performed in self-collected samples may be important to appraise better preventive strategies and to monitorize the influence of vaccination programmes within different populations.