Predictors of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in Italian women

Risk Behaviors Correlate with Higher Prevalence of Papanicolaou, Human Papillomavirus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening Among Women in the United States

Introduction: This study assesses whether women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior have higher Papanicolaou (Pap), human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV testing, and whether the level of selected variables associated with HIV risk behavior correlate with greater testing. Association between HIV risk situations and HPV vaccination is also evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional assessment was performed in women at age 18 years and older completing the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Independent variables considered and adjusted for, included age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, annual household income, smoking status, and health care status. Results: Prevalence of a Pap test in the past 3 years was 66.2%, of HPV test in the past 5 years was 40.2%, and of HIV test ever was 41.9%. HIV risk situations applied to 4.9% women (15.2% in ages 18-24, 7.2% in 25-44, 1.9% in 45-64, and 0.6% in 65 years and older). Adjusted odds (95% confidence interval) of a Pap, HPV, or HIV test according to HIV risk behavior status were 1.5 (1.3-1.8), 1.6 (1.4-1.8), and 2.6 (2.3-2.9), respectively. The positive association between HIV risk behavior and Pap testing depends on marital status. HIV risk behavior significantly correlates with several variables, which, in turn, correlate with testing. There was no association between HIV risk behavior and HPV vaccination. Conclusions: Women with HIV risk behavior are more likely to pursue Pap, HPV, and HIV testing. The significant positive associations are largest for HIV testing and smallest for Pap testing, after adjustment for the selected variables. HIV risk behavior is not associated with HPV vaccination.

Review of Research on the Prevention of HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer

Worldwide, cervical cancer remains as one of the most common malignancies that threaten women's health. An epidemiological survey has shown that high-risk chronic HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Thus, the prevention of HPV infection is the main approach to the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Sexual behavior, individual immunity, and age are important cofactors in the promotion of HPV infection. Preventive measures that have been gradually implemented worldwide have significantly decreased the incidence of cervical cancer in recent years. These measures include preventive vaccination against common high-risk HPV and cervical cancer screening, which includes HPV testing. HPV testing in cervical cancer screening has received increased attention and provides the basis for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Given that HPV infection rates significantly vary from region to region, procedures for cervical cancer screening should be improved based on regional differences.

Prevalence, Potential Predictors, and Genotype-Specific Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection among Sexually Active Students in Japan

Background and Methods

We conducted a community-based study to evaluate genotype-specific prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and potential predictors of its presence in young, asymptomatic, female college students. Self-administered surveys and vaginal swabs for self collection were distributed to students of participating schools. A sufficient cellular component in cervical samples was verified by examining for the presence of human β-globin DNA by PCR. A total of 1,118 valid cervical samples were subjected to screening for HR-HPV infection with the Digene Hybrid Capture 2 assay, followed by identification of HPV genotypes with GENOSEARCH HPV31 kit. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors associated with HR-HPV positivity and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was calculated.

Results

The median age of recruited students was 20 years. Of the 1,118 women who provided valid cervical samples for testing, 770 had sexual intercourse in the past, of which 125 (16.2%) were positive for HR-HPV. Logistic regression analysis revealed that HR-HPV infection was associated with smoking history (AOR 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98 to 5.05; p < 0.01), total number of partners (AOR 4.72; 95% CI 1.97 to 11.32 if > 5 partners; p < 0.001), number of partners in the past 6 months (AOR 3.12; 95% CI 1.42 to 6.87; p < 0.01), improper use of condoms (AOR 2.21; 95% CI 1.25 to 3.90; p < 0.01), and chlamydia infection (AOR 2.61; 95% CI 1.28 to 5.34; p < 0.01). The most common HR-HPV genotype was type 52 (6.4%), followed by 16 (3.1%), 56 (3.0%), and 58 (2.6%).

Conclusion

Compared with previous reports in East Asian coutries, the prevalence of HR-HPV infection among young, asymptomatic, female students before the nationwide use of vaccination in Japan was in the intermediate range. The most common HR-HPV genotypes were HPV 52, 16, 56, and 58.

HPV infection and cervical neoplasia: associated risk factors

BACKGROUND

Behavioral risks such as age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners and partner's sexual behavior are associated with an increased risk of HPV infection, persistence of the infection and the development of neoplastic precursor lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with HPV positivity and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia in women referred with an abnormal cervical smear.

METHODS

This study evaluated a series of 198 women referred with an abnormal cervical smear. Risk factors for HPV infection were investigated using a questionnaire. All cervical specimens were tested for 27 HPV genotypes using the Roche polymerase chain reaction reverse line blot assay.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of HPV was 87 %. First sexual intercourse before 16 years of age was significantly associated with a positive HPV test (OR 4.41; 95 %CI: 1.20 - 19.33; p = 0.01). A significant association was also found between this risk factor and CIN 1 lesions or worse (OR 2.2; 95 %CI 0.94 - 5.08; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The age at which a woman begins to be sexually active is associated with HPV infection and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia.

The impact of smoking on HPV infection and the development of anogenital warts

PURPOSE

The worldwide prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is estimated at 9-13 %. Persistent infection can lead to the development of malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Low-risk HPV types are mostly associated with benign lesions such as anogenital warts. In the present systematic review, we examined the impact of smoking on HPV infection and the development of anogenital warts, respectively.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed articles published from January 01, 1985 to November 30, 2013. Pooled rates of HPV prevalence were compared using the χ (2) test.

RESULTS

In both genders, smoking is associated with higher incidence and prevalence rates for HPV infection, whereas the latter responds to a dose-effect relationship. The overall HPV prevalence for smoking patients was 48.2 versus 37. 5 % for nonsmoking patients (p < 0.001) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.5, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.4-1.7). Smoking does also increase persistence rates for high-risk HPV infection, while this correlation is debatable for low-risk HPV. The incidence and recurrence rates of anogenital warts are significantly increased in smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Most current data demonstrate an association between smoking, increased anogenital HPV infection, and development of anogenital warts. These data add to the long list of reasons for making smoking cessation a keystone of patient health.

Prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus infection in healthy women is related to sexual behaviours and educational level: a cross-sectional study

This study reports the prevalence and risk factors of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in healthy women in Singapore. Demography, education, sexual and reproductive history and cigarette smoking habits were obtained from a cross-sectional population of healthy women and girls aged above 12 years of age. Cervical or vaginal cytology samples were investigated for 37 known anogenital HPV subtypes using the linear array PCR method. Chi square statistics were used to test for associations of individual epidemiological factors with HPV infection. Independent risk factors were identified with binomial logistic regression analysis. Of 891 subjects, the prevalence of HPV infection was 9.31% (83/891 women) for any-type HPV and 5.05% (46/891 women) for the high-risk HPV (hrHPV). Of 30 HPV subtypes detected, the most prevalent genotypes in descending order of frequency were subtypes 51, 16, 52, 58 and 66 for hrHPV and subtypes 62, 61, 84, 72 and 53 for the low-risk HPV. This frequency distribution of HPV subtypes was different from reports from other countries within Asia. Forty-six virgins studied tested negative for HPV infection. Significant independent risk factors for any-type HPV infection were multiple sexual partners (adjusted OR 1.4) and low (≤6 years) educational level (adjusted OR 4.0). The distribution of HPV subtypes in healthy women varies between different countries within Asia. In Singapore, the prevalence of HPV infection was 9.31% and was related to penetrative sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners and low educational level.