Co-infection with human papillomavirus and sexually transmitted infections among Chinese individuals

Analyses of Human papillomavirus, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex virus 2 and coinfections among male outpatients in Kunming, China

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as human papillomavirus (HPV), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) significantly affect male reproductive health. Coinfections among these pathogens may aggravate disease severity, yet data on their prevalence among male outpatients remain scarce. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of UU, HSV2, NG, CT, and HPV infections and coinfections in the external genitalia of male outpatients in Kunming, Yunnan. HPV genotyping was performed using PCR and Sanger sequencing, while other pathogens were detected using real-time quantitative PCR. Relevant medical records were obtained from the hospital information system. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine associations between coinfections and clinical characteristics. The prevalence rates for UU, HSV-2, NG, CT, and HPV infections in the external genitalia of male outpatients were 33.31 %, 27.04 %, 23.11 %, 11.70 %, and 8.25 %, respectively. The most common coinfection was NG+UU (14.81 %), followed by CT+UU (4.02 %) and CT+NG (1.45 %). Coinfection rates for HSV2 with UU, CT, and NG were 5.35 %, 0.58 %, and 2.03 %, respectively. HPV coinfection rates with UU, CT, NG, and HSV2 were 3.30 %, 0.62 %, 3.57 %, and 0.00 %, respectively. The five most common HPV subtypes were HPV 43, 52, 56, 58, and 33. This study highlights the high prevalence of STIs and coinfections among male outpatients in Kunming, underscoring the urgent need for improved screening and prevention strategies to address these widespread health concerns.

A review of urinary HPV testing for cervical cancer management and HPV vaccine surveillance: rationale, strategies, and limitations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Despite concerted efforts to combat this preventable disease through HPV vaccination and cancer screening have helped reduce morbidity and mortality levels, the burden persists in both developing and developed countries due to insufficient vaccination and screening coverage. Urinary HPV testing has emerged as a noninvasive detection method, offering significant advantages in cervical cancer management and vaccine surveillance. Notably, it boasts high acceptance rates, ease of self-collection, user-friendly implementation, and relatively low cost. Various urinary HPV detection methods have been explored, predominantly relying on nucleic acid amplification and signal amplification, targeting a variety of biomarkers in urine, such as HPV DNA, RNA, and oncoproteins. Existing literature underscores urine as a promising specimen for HPV testing, demonstrating comparable detection performance to cervical and vaginal samples in several studies. However, the lack of standardized and authoritative protocols in sample collection, storage, preparation, DNA extraction, and amplification necessitates further evaluation for the comprehensive utilization of urinary HPV testing in clinical and epidemiological settings. This study aims to review pertinent publications and offer insights into the rationale, common strategies, and limitations of urinary HPV testing, with the ultimate goal of maximizing its utility in practice.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among first time visitors at STIs clinic in Hangzhou, China: Assessing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

This study assesses the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in first time visitors to the STIs clinic in Hangzhou, China, considering different genders, ages and symptoms. And also explores howthe COVID-19 pandemic has affected on STIs.

METHODS

From 2019 to 2023, 27,283 first time visitors were tested for nine distinct STIs, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis, Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and vaginal Candida.

RESULTS

Symptomatic male and female visitors showed overall STI-positive rates of 39.27% and 59.20%, respectively(p < .001). The top three pathogens in both genders were HPV (47.56% and 56.71%), UU (29.21% and 56.47%), and HSV-2 (22.41% and 52.94%). Among asymptomatic visitors, the total STI-positive rate was 36.63% in males and 52.03% in females. Age-stratified analysis revealed higher STI rates in visitors ≤ 20 or >50 years, regardless of gender and symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, symptomatic visitors showed lower positive rates for HPV, HIV, syphilis, and HSV-2, while Candida, UU, CT, NG, and multiple infections increased. Among asymptomatic visitors, HPV had the lowest positive rate, while NG and multiple infections increased during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

STI prevalence is notably high, particularly in those aged ≤ 20 and >50 years. It emphasizes the need for enhanced health education, condom use, and vaccination. The COVID-19 pandemic impacting STIs through varied factors, such as reduced sexual activity and clinical service interruption.

Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections and Association with Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Reproductive-Age Women - Six Tertiary Hospitals, China, June 2021-December 2022

What is already known about this topic?

Previous studies have indicated a possible association between reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, but the evidence is still inconclusive.

What is added by this report?

This multicenter study found significantly higher positive rates of HPV, including general HPV, high-risk HPV, and HPV 16/18 infections, among women who tested positive for single or multiple RTIs compared to women who tested negative for RTIs in gynecological outpatient clinics.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Infection with HPV, especially high-risk types, is linked to RTIs and imbalances in the vaginal microbiota. Implementing standardized protocols for identifying and treating RTIs could support the establishment of a healthy vaginal microenvironment. This, in turn, may offer a novel approach to preventing cervical cancer.