HPV Infection Research Articles

Prediction of Treatment Response Based on Nutritional Status and Tumor Immunity in Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients Treated With Chemoradiotherapy.

Radiotherapy (RT) for advanced oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is effective, especially when combined with chemotherapy (CRT). However, its success can vary depending on factors, such as tumor stage, HPV infection (p16 status), and the patient's nutritional and immune status. This study examined the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and tumor immunity as predictive factors for treatment outcomes in OPC, aiming to develop a personalized risk score. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients with OPC treated with definitive RT or CRT, and survival outcomes were compared based on various factors, including BMI, CONUT score, CD8 expression, and HLA class II expression. We observed better overall survival (OS) rates in CD8-positive patients and those with higher HLA class II expression. The univariate analysis identified stage, p16 status, BMI, CONUT score, and CD8 expression as significantly associated with OS. In multivariate analysis, stage, BMI, and CONUT score remained significant predictors of OS. A risk scoring system was developed based on stage, p16 status, BMI, CONUT score, and CD8 expression. Patients were categorized into low-risk and high-risk groups, with significantly better survival in the low-risk group. A combined risk score incorporating clinical, nutritional, and immune factors can improve the prediction of treatment outcomes for OPC patients. This risk stratification may enable personalized treatment plans and improve ΟS rates.

A molecular viewpoint of the intricate relationships among HNSCC, HPV infections, and the oral microbiota dysbiosis.

HPV infection and the type of host microbiota play a role in the formation of HNCs. In contrast to other forms of OSCC, where the relationship between HPV and the cancer is less obvious, HPV-HNSCC is a particular type of oropharyngeal cancer. HPV has infected a stratified squamous epithelium, which includes the throat, mouth, anogenital tract, respiratory tract, and skin on the hands and feet. HPV DNA was found in high amounts in the saliva and gargle samples of patients with HPV-related HNSCC. It has been discovered that the specificity of oral mRNA (HPV) and HPV DNA identification varies from 23% to 82% in the identification of OPSCCs. The higher rate of HPV transmission through vaginal-oral compared to penile-oral sexual activity may be the reason for the difference in HPV-positive HNSCC patients between males and females. The researchers postulate that HPV-inactive tumours signify an advanced stage of HPV-positive HNSCC, which explains why there are racial disparities in gene expression that correspond to different disease progressions in Black and White patients. The increase of CD8+ T cells in the cancer microenvironment, linked to P16 activation, extends life expectancy in OSCC. tumour markers methylation caused by HPV and suggested using them as possible HNC biomarkers. Fusobacterium levels are much higher in patients with OSCC, while Actinobacteria phylum and Firmicutes are significantly lower. It also serves as a biomarker for notable variations found in Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteriales, Fusobacteriia, Fusobacterium, and Fusobacteriaceae. Therefore, based on this we evidence, we could investigate the role of oral microbiota as a maker for the HPV associated HNSCC.

Results of CO2 laser surgery in laryngeal papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is medical condition strictly connected with HPV infection of the epithelium of the upper respiratory track. The main treatment of lesions located in larynx or lower pharynx includes microsurgical excision by using CO2 laser. A thorough preoperative assessment of patients is extremely important, which should not only be based on traditional laryngological examination, but also on endoscopy of the larynx and the use of the NBI (narrow band imaging) technique to assess the vascularization of lesions. In patients with recurrent papillomas, neoadjuvant therapy with antiviral agents or agents that inhibit angiogenesis is also often used. Among our group of 31 patients with laryngeal papillomas, 15 people (48%) required repeated surgical intervention and additional antiviral therapy while 10 (33%) people had to undergo the procedure three or more times due to disease recurrence. In this article we will discuss that laryngeal microsurgery with a CO2 laser is an effective method of treating patients with laryngeal papillomatosis and we will present the possibilities of adjuvant therapy.

The effect of participatory action research on HPV primary preventive measures among in-school adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria

BackgroundIndividuals with a higher level of awareness and knowledge of HPV are more likely to dispel misconceptions about HPV and reduce their likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior. Behavioural change can be achieved through interventions such as participatory action research (PAR), which has been applied in various contexts. Few studies have reported on the use of PAR in Nigeria. This study aims to utilise PAR as an intervention to increase HPV awareness, improve knowledge of HPV infection, and promote behavioural change for HPV prevention among young adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria.MethodsThe study design uses a school-based, pre-post intervention approach with a cross-sectional component. Study participants are young adolescents aged 10–19 years in selected co-educational secondary schools in three local government areas (LGAs) spread across the three senatorial zones in Benue State, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling was used to select the LGAs and schools, and the sample size was computed using the before and after implementation with some prior information from a previous study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, HPV awareness and knowledge of infection and prevention, prevention practices, and willingness for HPV vaccination were obtained with a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Vaccination and HPV Knowledge (THinK) survey. The HPV Knowledge survey (New Zealand) was utilized to collect information from students at baseline and post-implementation after PAR intervention. The Wilcoxon Signed Test (WST) was used to investigate the significance of the median differences before and after the intervention. A p-value less than 0.05 or 0.001 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 548 adolescents were sampled before the intervention. After the intervention, the sample size decreased to 503, reflecting an 8% attrition rate. PAR effectively increased HPV awareness among the participants from 80.9% before the intervention to 99.8% afterward. The PAR led to a significant change in knowledge of HPV infection and primary prevention and an increase in perception of HPV primary prevention. decrease in misconceptions and risky sexual behaviours, increase in HIV screening tests, and increase in the willingness of participants to uptake the HPV vaccine. Among the measures of risky sexual behaviours was a decreased perception that having more than one sexual partner is not a risk factor for HPV after the PAR intervention. The number of participants in sexual relationships decreased from 84 (16.7%) at baseline to 37 (7.4%) post-implementation. The PAR also led to a decrease in the number of participants who reported having STDs. The Wilcoxon Signed test was further disaggregated based on sex (male and female), school funding type (public and private), and school class level (junior and senior).ConclusionsPAR led to a significant increase in awareness and knowledge of HPV, knowledge of different aspects of HPV infection, and willingness to uptake the HPV vaccine. Additionally, the study has provided evidence that PAR interventions can be a viable tool in delaying sexual initiation and reducing sexual behavioural tendencies, especially in high-risk groups.

Exploring the association between lifestyle and cardiovascular health metrics and HPV infection risk: insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2016 data

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) infection has garnered significant attention due to its high prevalence and association with various cancers and other health conditions. Composite lifestyle factors may influence the risk of HPV infection, yet their cumulative impact remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to explore the association between the Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) Score and HPV infection status, highlighting the potential role of lifestyle and health behaviors in HPV infection prevention.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005–2016, we analyzed the health and nutritional statuses of 6,773 participants after excluding those with missing HPV infection status, inability to calculate the LE8 Score, and missing covariate data. The LE8 Score was computed based on eight cardiovascular health metrics, encompassing both health factors (BMI, non-HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose) and health behaviors (physical activity, diet, sleep duration, and nicotine exposure). HPV infection status was determined through vaginal swab specimens analyzed using various Roche assays. Multivariate logistic regression, the restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were employed to assess the association between LE8 Score and HPV infection risk.ResultsOur findings indicate a significant inverse association between the LE8 Score and HPV infection risk. Participants with medium and high LE8 Scores exhibited a 21% and 31% lower risk of HPV infection, respectively, compared to those with low LE8 Scores in multivariate logistic regression models. The analysis also revealed that lifestyle factors, particularly nicotine exposure and blood pressure, significantly contributed to the observed association.ConclusionThe study underscores the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors in reducing the risk of HPV infection. Public health strategies promoting such behaviors could complement existing HPV prevention measures, potentially lowering the burden of HPV-related diseases. Future research should further investigate the mechanisms underlying this association and the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in diverse populations.

EXPRESSION OF p16 AND Ki-67 IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Introduction:Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomais a major health challenge with high recurrence and poor prognosis.Asper Globocan 2022, lip and oral cancer ranked 16th in terms of incidence with 389,485(2%)newcases. p16 helps identify HPV infection and induces apoptosis, while Ki-67, a key cell cycle regulator, is crucial for assessing cell proliferation, tumor development and prognosis. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of p16 and Ki-67 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlation with various clinicopathological parameters. Material and Methods: This descriptive analysis was conducted at Muzaffarnagar Medical College & Hospital, involving 50 histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma cases. The study involved p16 and Ki-67 expression through immunohistochemistry on histologically diagnosed OSCC cases and scoring was done. Results: The study found that most OSCC patients belong to fifth and sixth decades of life, with buccal mucosa being the most affected site. Tobacco use was prevalent among the patients. Most cases were moderately differentiated. p16 and Ki-67 expression werehigher in poorly differentiated cases. Positive p16 expression was observed in 38% of the cases but showed no significant correlation with age, gender, or histological grade. However, significant associations were found between age, histological grade, and Ki-67 expression. Conclusion: This study concluded that p16 expression was positive in 38% of OSCC cases, with higher rates in poorly differentiated tumors, but no significant links to age, gender, or histological grade. Ki-67 levels, higher in poorly differentiated cases, were significantly associated with age, indicating more aggressive disease in older ones.

What if we could eradicate cervical cancer?

Abstract Introduction WHO wants to achieve the elimination of Cervical Cancer: all countries must achieve and maintain an incidence rate of less than 4 per 100,000 women. Three key pillars: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by 15 years of age; 70% of women aged 35-45 years screened; 90% of women with pre-tumour lesion and invasive tumour treated. Our study assessed the position of the Tuscany South East Local Health Authority(LHA TSE) with respect to these three pillars and how to improve it. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted. The following were used: ISTAT data of incidence of cervical cancer standardised by age from 2013 to 2017;data from ISPRO on screening(PAP and HPV test)from 2013 to 2022;data of vaccination coverage taken from the Health Information System of Collective Prevention(SISPC) from 2012 to 2023 for children<12 years, Results The incidence rate of cervical cancer in LHA TSE is 9.4 per 100 thousand. About HPV vaccine coverage by age 12, for girls it has been rising from 80.5% in 2012 to a peak of 84.8% in 2019 and then progressively decreasing to 76.3% in 2023.Coverage for boys has also been progressively increasing from 0.8% in 2012 to a peak in 2019 of 74.9% and then decreasing to 69.8% in 2023. A total of 52 thousand children are vaccinated. As for the adjusted adherence to screening, we started from an average adherence of 51.8% in 2013 (75 thousand women invited with 102% coverage) to 53.2% in 2022 (54 thousand women invited with 107% coverage). In 2013, ASC-US+ lesions were found in 6.4 % of women by PAP Test and in 2022 in 6.3 % of women. In the examined period, more than 90% of women with pre-tumour lesion and more than 90% with invasive tumour were treated. Conclusions LHA TSE will have to implement actions to increase vaccination coverage and screening adherence rates through awareness campaigns and open days, also considering whether a change in the age range for starting screening is necessary as vaccination coverage increases. Key messages • Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but too few young women are vaccinated against HPV infection, the main causative factor. • Prevention through adherence to screening enables early identification of lesions caused by HPV virus.

Advancing Public Health Equity through Expanded Vaccination Services in prison: case studies from Italy and France

Abstract In Montpellier prison in France and San Vittore remand house in Italy, the provision of expanded, age-appropriate, coercion-free, and tailored vaccination services to PLP has emerged as a cornerstone in improving health outcomes within prison settings. The implementation of life course vaccination programs required the full integration of prison health into public health systems building on existing vaccination services covering HBV, flu and COVID-19. In San Vittore, a vaccination clinic aimed at people living in prison was set-up. Universal vaccination status assessment and vaccination catch-up was introduced targeting people admitted into prison. The vaccination clinic-related activities included information and awareness sessions on vaccination and health literacy offered regularly to PLP: increased vaccination knowledge is effective to enhance uptake. The vaccination clinic team consisted of infectious diseases physicians and a health assistant with an anthropological background, who ran the information and awareness sessions combining and adapting core content on vaccination with individual and community social and cultural contexts. Besides seasonal flu vaccination and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunisation campaigns, vaccinations against pneumococcal pneumonia and herpes zoster were also offered to older and fragile individuals as per national immunization plan. One of the priority objectives of the vaccination clinic was the increase in vaccination coverage against HBV and HPV, not only as a tool for the prevention of infectious diseases, but as an innovative and effective tool of cancer prevention. As part of a more ambitious program to protect sexual health in prison and related to updated screening tools for the early diagnosis of lesions due to HPV infection, vaccination against HPV was also offered as part of a health empowerment project tailored to women in detention, with the aim of building self-awareness of their own health needs.

Design and antiviral assessment of a panel of fusion proteins targeting human papillomavirus type 16.

Cervical cancer ranks as the third most prevalent malignancy in women worldwide. The persistence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection stands out as the foremost risk factor for cervical cancer development. Among the numerous HPV subtypes, HPV16 infection emerges as the primary pathogenic determinant of cervical cancer. To date, no specific drugs have been approved. In this study, we engineered two high-affinity fusion protein targeting HPV16 L1 protein based on the alpaca-derived single-domain antibody 2C12 previously obtained in our laboratory. These two fusion proteins exhibited potent neutralizing activity against HPV16 pseudovirus with IC50 values of 7.8 nM and 6.5 nM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis revealed that 2C12 formed ten pairs of hydrogen bonds with HPV16 L1, among which Arg39 and Thr100 established multiple pairs of hydrogen bonds with HPV16 L1, indicating their crucial roles in antigen-antibody binding process. These structural and biological findings underscore the effective binding capacity of these fusion proteins to HPV16, leading to reduced viral load and providing valuable insights into therapeutic antibody and vaccine development against HPV 16 infection.

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in cervical cancer screening population

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA screening was a crucial element in the fight against cervical cancer and had been adopted in many countries, including China. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 disrupted this program significantly.MethodsThe aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes among the population undergoing cervical cancer screening during the pandemic period. From January 2017 to December 2022, Peking Union Medical College Hospital gathered 45,496 cervical swabs from individuals undergoing cervical cancer screening. These samples were analyzed to detect fifteen high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) DNA types and a combination of two low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) types.ResultsThe study revealed an overall infection rate of 11.24% (5,114/45,496), with 11.06% (5,032/45,496) of individuals infected with HR-HPV. The number of HPV screening patients and the infection rates of HPV, HR-HPV, LR-HPV, multiple genotype HPV (M-HPV), and single genotype HPV (S-HPV) during the pandemic were lower than those observed before the pandemic. Moreover, the age group with the highest percentage of infected individuals was under 45–49 years, with HPV52, HPV58, HPV16, and HPV51 being the most prevalent genotypes. Notably, HPV66 emerged as the fifth most commonly detected genotype during the pandemic. Additionally, among the eleven age groups examined, women under 25 exhibited the highest detection rate, with HPV52 and HPV16 infection rates exceeding those observed in the pre-pandemic period.ConclusionsThe findings of this study offer significant insights for shaping HPV prevention strategies and enhancing cervical cancer screening initiatives in China following the epidemic.

Risks of Cervical Cancer Recurrence After Fertility-Sparing Surgery and the Role of Human Papillomavirus Infection Types

Cervical cancer is a largely preventable malignancy of the uterine cervix. The tendencies in cervical cancer morbidity and mortality have remained similar for the past decade, albeit with increasing frequency in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Moreover, in the majority of LMICs, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death among reproductive-age women. High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infections have been proven to be associated with up to 95% of cervical cancer cases, with HPV-16 and HPV-18 types being responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers, with the other high-risk HPV types accounting for up to a further 25%. More recently, the latest data appear to confirm there is a change in the frequency of HR-HPV occurrence, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, as a reflection of the implementation of preventive vaccination programs. Owing to the growing incidence of cervical cancer among reproductive-age women and with the development of cancer management approaches, fertility-sparing options have been proposed for early-stage cervical cancer management as an option for young women, especially those with unaccomplished reproductive desires. However, methods applied for this purpose (cold-knife conization, loop electrosurgical excision, trachelectomy) have variable outcomes and do not prevent risks of relapse. Multiple factors are involved in cervical cancer recurrence, even in cases treated at the early stage of the disease. In this review, the authors unveil whether HPV infection and virus type could be one of the key factors associated with cervical cancer recurrence after fertility-sparing surgery. Reviews of the literature reveal that recurrent and persistent HR-HPV infection is a strong predictor of cervical lesions’ relapse. In particular, HPV-16 and HPV-18 infections and their persistence have been reported to be associated with cervical cancer recurrence. HR-HPV genotyping before and after fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer could facilitate a personalized approach and improve the overall survival rate. Screening for HR-HPV is essential during the follow-up of cervical cancer-treated women and will help to predict possible cancer recurrence.

Evaluating different samples & techniques for hr-HPV DNA genotyping to improve the efficiency of risk profiling for oral & cervical cancers in Sikkim, India

Background & objectives Oral and genital HPV infection in men may be a source of cervical diseases in their women partners as well as disease in themselves. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) in physician-collected cervical samples and qPCR in self-collected urine and oral gargle samples of women and men, respectively, for hr-HPV infection status and genotyping. Methods One thousand and two hundred biological samples were collected from 200 women (urine, oral gargle, and cervical smear) and 200 men (urine and oral gargle) visiting a referral hospital in the remote Himalayan State of Sikkim. The extracted genomic DNA from urine and gargle samples were profiled for hr-HPV genotypes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and HC2 for cervical samples. Results In women, hr-HPV was detected in 17.5 per cent of cervical samples by HC2, 25.5 per cent of urine, and 7 per cent of gargle samples by qPCR. For men, hr-HPV was detected in 8 per cent urine and 5 per cent gargle samples by qPCR. Among the HPV-positive women, 56 per cent of urine samples and 20 per cent of oral samples showed single-genotype infection, while the remaining had multiple genotypes. Amongst the HPV-positive men, 62.7 per cent of urine samples and 85.7 per cent of oral samples showed single-genotype infection while the remaining had multiple genotypes. Compared to Pap, the area under ROC was good for HC2 (AUC=0.89) and for qPCR (AUC= 0.852). Interpretation & conclusions HC2 for cervical and qPCR-based HPV DNA assay for urine and gargle sample is suitable for risk profiling for cervical cancer (CC) and oral cancer (OC) screening programmes.

Comparing the distribution of common human papillomavirus genotypes among the population of Fars province in southwest Iran with the genotypes included in the available HPV vaccines.

Given the strong association between high-risk HPV genotypes, such as HPV 16 and 18, and cervical cancer, this study aimed to compare the distribution of common HPV genotypes in the southwest Iranian population with those included in the available vaccines. Based on the sample quality, DNA was extracted from the biological samples of 8036 individuals included in the study using three different methods (automated instrument, column, and precipitation), and a total of 21 different HPV genotypes were detected using real-time PCR. The majority of participants were women (> 99%), with a positive rate of HPV infection of 29.9%, in which high-risk genotypes were dominant in 84.9% cases. The highest rate of HPV infections was observed in the age ≤ 30 years (35.9%). HPV 6 and 16 were the most frequent low- and high-risk genotypes, respectively. Multi HPV infections were observed in 35% of positive samples and the highest cross infections were observed between HPV6 and 16. Co-infection with HPV 16 and 18 was observed in 21 positive samples (1%). Although vaccination is essential to reduce the outcome of HPV infections, such as cervical cancer, other frequently occurring high-risk genotypes are not included in the 9-valent vaccine. Since the association between cervical cancer and other high-risk HPV types rather than 16 and 18 has been less studied, investigating their pathogenicity in cervical cancer is recommended. Furthermore, the new generation of HPV vaccines should contain other frequently occurring high-risk genotypes beyond those currently covered in approved vaccines.

Curcumin attenuates smoking and drinking activated NF-κB/IL-6 inflammatory signaling axis in cervical cancer

BackgroundHigh-risk strains of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer. Multiple clinical studies have emphasized that smoking and drinking are critical risk factors for cervical cancer and its high-grade precursors. In this study, we investigated if smoking and/or drinking augment the molecular mechanisms of cervical carcinogenesis and defined a potential therapeutic approach for their attenuation.MethodsThe impact of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and/or ethanol (EtOH) exposure on cervical cancer cells was assessed by measuring changes in their cell migration and invasion characteristics. Expression of HPV16 E6/E7, NF-κB, cytokines, and inflammation mediators was determined using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, luciferase reporter assay, and confocal microscopy. Herein, we used curcumin (Cur), and PLGA nanoparticle formulation of curcumin (PLGA-Cur) and determined effectiveness of free Cur and PLGA-Cur formulation on smoking and drinking activated NF-κB/IL-6 mediated inflammatory signaling pathways using in vitro cervical cancer models.ResultsTreatments with B[a]P and/or EtOH altered the expression of HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes and EMT markers in cervical cancer cells; it also enhanced migration and invasion. In addition, B[a]P and/or EtOH exposure promoted inflammation pathways through TNF-α and NF-κB signaling, leading to IL-6 upregulation and activation of VEGF. The molecular effects caused by B[a]P and/or EtOH exposure were effectively attenuated by curcumin (Cur)/PLGA-Cur treatment.ConclusionsThese data suggest a molecular link between smoking, drinking, and HPV infectivity in cervical carcinogenesis. In addition, attenuation of these effects by treatment with Cur/PLGA-Cur treatment, implies the role of curcumin in cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

Factors associated with oral HPV infection among a large multinational cohort of men.

Factors associated with oral HPV infection among a large multinational cohort of men.

RPA-CRISPR-Cas-Mediated Dual Lateral Flow Assay for the Point-of-Care Testing of HPV16 and HPV18.

The incidence of cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has increased in recent years. More than half of all cervical cancer cases are due to HPV16 and HPV18 infection, so HPV16 and HPV18 testing is essential to prevent cervical cancer. HPV testing is mainly carried out in hospitals, but it is subject to time and specialized medical facilities. On the other hand, home self-testing using simple diagnostics would present an attractive alternative due to privacy and flexibility with regard to time and place, provided sufficient sensitivity and specificity can be achieved. In this work, a dual lateral flow assay based on RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a/13a (named RC-LFA) for HPV detection was described. Taking advantage of the cleavage specificity of Cas12a and Cas13a, a CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a system was designed to detect HPV16 and HPV18. The lateral flow strip with two test lines was designed to suit the CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13 system. RC-LFA achieves rapid and simultaneous detection of HPV16 and HPV18 with high specificity and sensitivity (10 copies/μL) in about 40 min from the extraction of nucleic acid to an instrument-free readout. RC-LFA is user-friendly and instrument-free, making it a promising method for HPV self-tests at home.

Analysis of multi-site HPV infection and vaccination willingness among men who have sex with men in Tianjin, China.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to HPV infection. This study aims to explore the HPV infection status at different sites among HIV-positive MSM, HIV-negative MSM, and men who have sex with women (MSW), and to investigate their willingness to receive HPV vaccination. From September 2023 to April 2024, three groups were recruited in Tianjin, China. Participants completed an electronic self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic information, knowledge related to sexually transmitted diseases, behavioral information, and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. Samples were collected from the anal region, genitals, and oral cavity for HPV typing. A total of 1,559 participants were recruited, including 300 HIV-positive MSM, 600 HIV-negative MSM, and 659 MSW. The HPV infection prevalence for any site were 62.0, 53.7 and 8.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The infection prevalence for HPV genes covered by the 9-valent vaccine were 47.0, 36.8, and 3.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Co-infection prevalence at anal and genital were 20.3, 14.2, 0.6%, respectively. Co-infection prevalence at anal and genital and oral were 1.3, 0.3%, 0, respectively. A total of 77.0% HIV-positive MSM and 75.3% HIV-negative MSM expressed willingness to receive the HPV vaccine, whereas 58.9% of MSW were unwilling (p < 0.001). Being HIV-positive (aOR, 3.119; 95% CI, 2.213-4.395), being over 46 years old (aOR, 1.994; 95% CI, 1.266-3.142), with an occupation classified as "white collar workers" (aOR, 1.620; 95% CI, 1.111-2.362) and "freelancing" (aOR, 2.025; 95% CI, 1.371-2.993) and a history of homosexual behavior in the past 6 months (aOR, 5.338; 95% CI, 3.802-7.495) were risk factors for HPV infection among men in Tianjin. Consistently using condoms in the past 6 months (aOR, 0.667; 95% CI, 0.513-0.867) were protective factors. The HPV infection prevalence among MSM in Tianjin is significantly higher than among MSW, with higher prevalence in the anal region compared to the genital and oral region. HPV infection is associated with HIV infection, older age, and homosexual behavior. Most MSM showed a positive willingness to receive the HPV vaccine, indicating the necessity to implement targeted HPV vaccination programs for MSM and to enhance necessary preventive knowledge and behavioral interventions.

Knowledge, attitude and perception of Italian dental students toward HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and vaccination: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). This study aimed to carry out a Knowledge, Attitude and Perception survey on HPV infection, HPV+ OPSCC, and HPV vaccination among Italian dental students.MethodsThrough an online self-administered questionnaire consisting of 82 questions, data on dental students’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions concerning HPV+ OPSCC, infection and vaccination were acquired. A statistical analysis, based on their year of attendance (early career, from 1st to 3rd year vs. late career, from 4th to 6th year) was also conducted.ResultsA total of 412 dental students completed the questionnaire. Knowledge of HPV+ OPSCC was reported by 61% of early-career students and 73% of late-career students, with high awareness of the HPV-OPSCC correlation in both groups (85% vs. 89%, respectively). The percentage of correct responses regarding HPV infection knowledge was 61% for early-career and 73% for late-career students, while vaccine knowledge was 70% and 78%, respectively. Over 90% of students acknowledged the dentist’s role in educating patients about HPV and OPSCC, and attitudes toward discussing HPV and vaccination were positive. However, only about half would recommend the vaccine to either gender. Statistically significant differences were found between early- and late-career groups across all knowledge sections (p < 0.001), while no significant differences emerged for perception (p = 0.076) or attitude (p = 0.147).ConclusionsThe study reveals encouraging results but highlights significant gaps in dental students’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward HPV+ OPSCC, infection, and vaccination. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and training in dental curricula could improve HPV prevention awareness and patient education, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

The prevalence of HPV in Chongqing, China from 2017 to 2022: a retrospective cohort study

Background and aimsHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is widespread. The regional differences in infection rates and dominant HPV types are a significant aspect of the virus’s epidemiological characteristics. In China, these differences are further influenced by the country’s diverse ethnic composition, as well as varying economic and cultural conditions across regions. Additionally, factors such as population migration contribute to the exacerbation of these regional disparities in HPV infection rates.MethodsWe conducted an analysis of the current prevalence of HPV among 108,863 patients in Chongqing from 2017 to 2022, along with an investigation into the interaction between HPV and vaginal microbiota. Additionally, we explored the relationship between HPV clearance time and disease outcomes.ResultsOur findings revealed an overall HPV positive rate of 30.14% (32,813/108,863) in Chongqing, China. The top five HPV positive rates were as follows: HPV52 (7.78%), HPV16 (5.85%), HPV58 (4.41%), HPV53 (3.17%), and HPV39 (2.47%). The age-related trend of HPV infection exhibited a bimodal curve. Importantly, the positive rate of high-risk HPV (BV: 24.74%, AV: 24.38%, VVC: 18.19%, TV: 22.81%) was significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Follow-up for 4 years, we observed an overall clearance rate of HPV at 92.20%, with a median clearance time of 13 (1-61) months.ConclusionThese findings hold significant implications for the Chinese government in evaluating the prevalence of HPV in the Chongqing region and formulating effective HPV prevention strategies. Moreover, these findings could contribute to the enhancement of public health initiatives related to HPV in the region.

Field-Applicable Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the Detection of Seven Common Human Papillomavirus Subtypes.

Persistent HPV infection is a major risk factor for the subsequent development of cervical cancer. LAMP is simple and suitable for field detection in the resource-limited settings. In this study, hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB)-based visual LAMP and evagreen-based fluorescent LAMP coupled with a microfluidic chip (LAMP-chip) were established for the field detection of seven subtypes of HPV. The analytical sensitivity was 19-233 copies/reaction. The overall clinical sensitivity was 97.35% for visual LAMP and 98.23% for LAMP-chip. Both LAMP assays exhibited 100% specificity and were completed in less than 50 min. Additionally, both assays did not require complicated nucleic acid extraction and purification steps. A complete quality control monitoring system (including internal control, positive quality control and negative control) in the LAMP assays further ensured the credibility of the results. Our findings demonstrated that the proposed LAMP assays have the potential to be applied in the testing of common HPV DNA in field investigations (visual LAMP) or within communities and primary health centers (LAMP-chip).