Baseline prevalence and type distribution of Human papillomavirus in sexually active non-vaccinated adolescent girls from Argentina

HPV and Cervical Cancer: Molecular and Immunological Aspects, Epidemiology and Effect of Vaccination in Latin American Women

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Latin American regions. This comprehensive narrative review addresses the relationship between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, focusing on Latin American women. It explores molecular and immunological aspects of HPV infection, its role in cervical cancer development, and the epidemiology in this region, highlighting the prevalence and diversity of HPV genotypes. The impact of vaccination initiatives on cervical cancer rates in Latin America is critically evaluated. The advent of HPV vaccines has presented a significant tool in combating the burden of this malignancy, with notable successes observed in various countries, the latter due to their impact on immune responses. The review synthesizes current knowledge, emphasizes the importance of continued research and strategies for cervical cancer prevention, and underscores the need for ongoing efforts in this field.

Tipificación del virus del papiloma humano en lesiones de cavidad bucal. Estudio desarrollado en los servicios de estomatología, Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Cartagena y el Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires

Objetivo: describir las características clínicas epidemiológicas en cavidad bucal de la infección por VPH y la asociación con su tipificación molecular. Métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico de corte transversal en 52 pacientes que acudieron a los servicios de estomatología en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Cartagena y al Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, a quienes se les abrió historia clínica y se les practicó prueba de PCR en tiempo real para la tipificación del VPH. Resultados: el análisis de los datos se efectuó a través de frecuencia y porcentaje. En cuanto a la parte inferencial, se usó la prueba chi cuadrado con un nivel de confianza P<0,05. De los 52 pacientes analizados, 67.3% eran mujeres con un predominio de edad entre los 50-59 años. El serotipo mayormente encontrado fue VPH 6, seguido del VPH 11 y otros tipos de VPH. La lesión elemental más preponderante fue la verrugosidad y la ubicación de predominio, la lengua. Conclusión: las infecciones por VPH se manifiestan frecuentemente en cavidad bucal con verrugosidades en lengua. Su estudio epidemiológico, incluyendo su tipificación, permitiría encontrar lesiones características para un diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento oportuno.

Methodologies of Primary HPV Testing Currently Applied for Cervical Cancer Screening

The human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses, and an infection from this virus may become persistent, leading to diseases such as cervical cancer. In the past, cytology-based methods such as the Papanicolaou (Pap) test were imperative to identify the disease at a stage where it can be treated. However, since the 1980s where the etiological association of HPV and cervical cancer was identified, new tests began emerging directed towards identifying the virus. Furthermore, as the biology of HPV along with the relationships with its host are elucidated, these tests and treatments further advance. Recently in Europe, there is a movement towards the implementation of HPV testing methodologies in national screening programs to precede cytological testing. These screening strategies are recommended by the European guidelines and the World Health Organization. This review presents the current HPV testing methodologies, their application in organized population-based cervical cancer screening programs based on the most recent European guidelines, and their implementation status in countries in Europe.

Strong reduction in prevalence of HPV16/18 and closely related HPV types in sexually active adolescent women following the introduction of HPV vaccination in Argentina

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HPV16/18 decreased by >93% in vaccinated sexually active Argentine girls.

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Detected reduction of HPV31 and 45 would add to the success of immunization.

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No genotype replacement was observed.

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First HPV vaccination monitoring data reported from a Latin American country.