The impact of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 status on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and HPV antibodies in serum and cervical secretions

Natural and vaccine-induced B cell-derived systemic and mucosal humoral immunity to human papillomavirus

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) are the causative agent of mucosal neoplasia. Both cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers incidence is constantly increasing, making the HPV infection, a significant worldwide concern. Together, the CD8+ T cytotoxic cell-mediated response and the HPV-specific antibody response control most of the HPV infections before the development of cancers.Areas covered: We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and identified 228 eligible studies from 1987 to 2019 which examines both naturally acquired and vaccine induced humoral immunity against HPV infection in female and male subjects from worldwide origin. Herein, we synthesize current knowledge on the features of systemic and mucosal humoral immunity against HPV. We discuss the issues of the balance between the viral clearance or the escape to the host immune response, the differences between natural and vaccine-induced HPV-specific antibodies and their neutralizing capability. We also discuss the protection afforded after natural infection or following prophylactic vaccination.Expert opinion: Understanding the antibody response induced by HPV infection has led to the design of first-generation prophylactic vaccines. Now, prophylactic vaccination induces protective and long-lasting antibody response which would also strengthened the natural moderate humoral response in people previously exposed to the virus.

Infection and vaccine-induced HPV-specific antibodies in cervicovaginal secretions. A review of the literature

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects and propagates in the cervical mucosal epithelium. Hence, in addition to assessing systemic immunity, the accurate measurement of cervical immunity is important to evaluate local immune responses to HPV infection and vaccination. This review discusses studies that investigated the presence of infection and vaccine-induced HPV-specific antibodies in cervicovaginal secretions (CVS).

Methods

We searched the two main health sciences databases, PubMed and the ISI Web of Science, from the earliest dates available to March 2019. From the eligible publications, information was extracted regarding: (i) study design, (ii) the reported HPV-specific antibody concentrations in CVS (and the associated serum levels, when provided), (iii) the CVS collection method, and (iv) the immunoassays used.

Results

The systematic search and selection process yielded 44 articles. The evidence of HPV-specific antibodies in CVS after natural infection (26/44) and HPV vaccination (18/44) is discussed. Many studies indicate that HPV-specific antibody detection in CVS is variable but feasible with a variety of collection methods and immunoassays. Most CVS samples were collected by cervicovaginal washing or wicks, and antibody presence was mostly determined by VLP-based ELISAs. The moderate to strong correlation between vaccine-induced antibody levels in serum and in CVS indicates that HPV vaccines generate antibodies that transudate through the cervical mucosal epithelium.

Conclusion

Although HPV-specific antibodies have lower titres in CVS than in serum samples, studies have shown that their detection in CVS is feasible. Nevertheless, the high variability of published observations and the lack of a strictly uniform, well-validated method for the collection, isolation and quantification of antibodies indicates a need for specific methods to improve and standardize the detection of HPV-specific antibodies in CVS.

Cervical Human Papillomavirus Prevalence, Genotypes, and Associated Risk Factors among Female Sex Workers in Greater Accra, Ghana

Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease mediated by persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomaviruses (Hr-HPV). There are now three approved vaccines against the most common HPV genotypes. In Ghana, mortality due to cervical cancer is on the rise, due to the absence of an organized and effective cervical cancer prevention and control program. Data on circulating HPV genotypes is important for studying the likely impact of mass introduction of HPV vaccination of the female population before sexual debut. High HPV prevalence has been reported in Female Sex Workers (FSWs), who constitute an important active group for maintenance of HPV in the population. This study was conducted to determine the size of HPV prevalence in this group and to provide information for future assessment of the impact of vaccine introduction in the country. We conducted a cross-sectional study where the snowballing technique was used to identify and select FSW's ≥18 years, operating within suburbs of Greater Accra Region (GAR). A risk factor assessment interview was conducted and cervical swabs were collected for HPV-DNA detection and genotyping by Nested Multiplex PCR. Hundred participants, age ranging from 18 to 45 years, median 24 years, were studied. The prevalence of Cervical HPV was 26%. Eleven genotypes were detected comprising 9 high-risk in order of decreasing prevalence HPV-16 (8%), HPV-35 (5%), HPV-33/39/-68 (3%), HPV-52/51/59 (2%) and HPV-18 (1%) and 2 Low-risk types, HPV-42(3%), and HPV-43 (1%). Three women had HPV types that could not be genotyped by our method. Oral contraceptives use was associated with a reduced chance of HPV infection (P=0.002; OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.54). This study found a high HPV prevalence among FSWs in the GAR. A high number of Hr-HPV genotypes seen are vaccine preventable, providing additional compelling argument for implementing a national cervical cancer prevention plan including vaccination.

Protocol for the study of cervical cancer screening technologies in HIV-infected women living in Rwanda

INTRODUCTION

The optimal method(s) for screening HIV-infected women, especially for those living in sub-Saharan Africa, for cervical precancer and early cancer has yet to be established.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A convenience sample of >5000 Rwandan women, ages 30-54 years and living with HIV infection, is being consented and enroled into a cross-sectional study of cervical cancer screening strategies. Participants are completing an administered short risk factor questionnaire and being screened for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) using the Xpert HPV assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California, USA), unaided visual inspection after acetic acid (VIA) and aided VIA using the Enhanced Visual Assessment (EVA) system (Mobile ODT, Tel Aviv, Israel). Women positive for hrHPV and/or by unaided VIA undergo colposcopy, which includes the collection of two cervical specimens prior to undergoing a four-quadrant microbiopsy protocol. The colposcopy-collected specimens are being tested by dual immunocytochemical staining for p16INK4a and Ki-67 (CINtec PLUS Cytology, Ventana, Tucson, Arizona, USA) and for E6 or E7 oncoprotein for 8 hrHPV genotypes (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52 and 58) using the next-generation AV Avantage hrHPV E6/E7 test (Arbor Vita Corporation, Freemont, California, USA). Women with a local pathology diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or more severe (CIN2+) or pathology review diagnosis of CIN grade three or more severe (CIN3+) will receive treatment. Clinical performance and cost-effectiveness (eg, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values) of different screening strategies and algorithms will be evaluated.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol was approved by local and institutional review boards for human subjects research. At the completion of the study, results will be disseminated to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publication and to the Rwandan stakeholders through an external advisory panel.

Cervical HPV Infection in Female Sex Workers: A Global Perspective

Introduction:

Approximately 291 million women worldwide are HPV DNA carriers. Studies have indicated that having multiple sexual partners may lead to higher HPV transmission. Thus female sex workers (FSWs) may be at greater risk of infection compared to the general population. Herein we review publications with data on FSW cervical HPV test results. We also examine variations of HPV prevalence and risk behaviors by region. Knowledge of prevalent HPV types in FSWs may lead to improved prevention measures and assist in understanding vaccination in high-risk groups.

Methods:

We conducted a review of the literature by searching PUBMED using the terms “prostitution” or “female sex workers”, “human papillomavirus” or “HPV”, and “prevalence” or “PCR” to find articles. We excluded studies without HPV testing or HPV type specific results, or unconventional HPV testing.

Results:

A total of 35 peer-reviewed publications were included in our review. High risk HPV types 16 and 18 ranged from 1.1-38.9‰ in prevalence. In addition to high-risk HPV types, newer studies reported non-carcinogenic HPV types also of high prevalence. The most prevalent HPV types reported among FSWs included HPV 6 (11.5%), 16 (38.9%), 18 (23.1%), 31 (28.4%), 52 (32.7%), and 58 (26.0%).

Conclusions:

Female sex workers have an overall high prevalence of HPV infection of high-risk types as evident through various testing methods. FSWs are thought to be at increased risk of cervical cancer because of high HPV exposure. This highlights the need for HPV and cervical prevention campaigns tailored to FSWs.

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia and squamous cell carcinoma in HIV-infected adults

Anal cancer is one of the most common non-AIDS-defining malignancies in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. Its precursor lesion, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), is highly prevalent in HIV-infected populations. More than 90% of anal squamous cell cancers are attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV). While the biology of HPV-related intraepithelial neoplasia is consistent across lower anogenital sites, the natural history of AIN is not well established and cannot be assumed to be identical to that of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Screening strategies to prevent anal cancer should be developed based on robust natural history data in HIV-infected and uninfected populations. Likewise, treatments need to be tested in randomized clinical trials, and reserved for those at significant risk of progression to cancer. This review covers the epidemiology, pathogenesis and immunology of HPV infection, AIN and anal cancer, and summarizes the current diagnosis, screening and treatment strategies in HIV-infected adults.

Multiple human papillomavirus infections and HIV seropositivity as risk factors for abnormal cervical cytology among female sex workers in Nairobi

We estimated type-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and examined risk factors for abnormal cervical cytology among 296 female sex workers from Nairobi, Kenya. Over half (54%) were infected with a high-risk (HR) HPV type, of which HPV16 and 52 were the most common types. HIV-1 prevalence was 23% and HIV-1 sero-positivity was associated with high-grade cervical lesions, particularly among women with CD4 count less than 500 cells/mm(3) (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-24.9). Among women who had normal cytology at the time of entry into the study, the risk of having an abnormal Pap smear within one year was significantly elevated for women with multiple HPV types at study entry (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.0; 95% CI: 2.3-15.7) and with a subset of HR HPV types (aOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.6-11.2). Detection of multiple concurrent HPV infections may be a useful marker to identify women at risk of developing precancerous lesions in populations of high HPV prevalence.

Prevalence and risk factors of high-risk human papillomavirus in female sex workers in Spain: differences by geographical origin

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of socioeconomic variables, lifestyles, and sexual behaviors on the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in female sex worker (FSW) according to their geographic origin in Alicante, Spain.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of 549 FSW attending an AIDS information and prevention center from May 2003 to December 2004. Face-to-face interviews were carried out. HR-HPV was determined through Digene HR-HPV Test. Hybrid Capture II-positive samples (Digene Corp., Gaithersburg, MD) for PCR were directly sequenced. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

HR-HPV prevalence was 28% in Spaniards, 32% in Latin Americans, 32% in Eastern Europeans, 16% in sub-Saharan Africans, and 65% in North Africans (p=0.04). Lower HR-HPV prevalence was associated with higher age, higher education, and higher body mass index (BMI) (p values for trend<0.05). In multivariate analyses, the effects of geographical origin, age, and education were maintained, together with time in sex work; women engaged for >1 year had a lower HR-HPV prevalence (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.91) compared with those engaged <1 year. HR-HPV-16 was the most common type (n=23, 24%), followed by HR-HPV-18 and HR-HPV-31, (n=11, 11%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HR-HPV prevalence is very high in FSW and varies by geographic origin. Women of younger age and lower education level and those engaged in sex work for <1 year showed the highest prevalence, making them a priority group for cervical cancer prevention programs.

HIV, human papillomavirus, and cervical neoplasia and cancer in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

The objective of this study was to review the literature on the epidemiological association between human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, and cervical neoplasia, and the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on this association. MEDLINE was searched using the terms 'human papillomavirus', 'HPV', 'HIV', 'cervix', 'neoplasm', and 'antiretroviral' to identify articles published before December 2006. HIV-infection was strongly associated with a higher prevalence, incidence, and persistence of HPV infection and correlated with prevalence, incidence, persistence, and progression of squamous intraepithelial lesions. The association between HIV and invasive cervical carcinoma has been more difficult to establish, but is now fully recognized. HAART seems to have little, if any, beneficial effect on the natural history of intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive women. Despite this fact, HAART, does increase the life expectancy of HIV-positive women. Therefore, it remains important to closely monitor HPV-related disease in women with HIV who are receiving HAART, particularly in regions of the world where cervical screening is not available routinely.

Diverse and high prevalence of human papillomavirus associated with a significant high rate of cervical dysplasia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women in Johannesburg, South Africa

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the epidemiology of the human papillomavirus (HPV) type and correlate it with the Papanicolaou smears in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive women in Johannesburg, South Africa.

STUDY DESIGN

In a cohort of 148 women, HPV DNA testing was performed with the Roche HPV genotyping test (Branchburg, New Jersey, U.S.A). Papanicolaou smears were performed by standard cytology utilizing 2001 Bethesda reporting guidelines.

RESULTS

The average age and CD4 count of the participants was 35 years and 255 cells per mm3, respectively. Fifty-four percent had abnormal Papanicolaou smears; 66% of the abnormal cytology was low grade changes, with 33% assessed as having high grade changes. HPV DNA was found in 95% of the 148 subjects assessed, with 83% having 1 or more HPV oncogenic types. Common oncogenic types were 16, 35, 53 and 18. When HPV results were stratified by CD4, there was a significant risk of an oncogenic HPV type in women with CD4 <200. Significant odds ratios for high grade lesions were seen in HPV types 16, 35, 51, 66, 69 and 73.

CONCLUSION

The results of HPV typing illustrate the diverse range of oncogenic HPV and high prevalence of oncogenic type. These results highlight the need for improved access to Papanicolaou smear screening for this population.

Age-specific prevalence of infection with human papillomavirus in females: a global review

PURPOSE

Global data on age-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection overall, and for high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, are essential for the future implementation of HPV prophylactic vaccines for cervical cancer prevention.

METHODS

A systematic review of peer-reviewed publications was conducted to summarize worldwide data on genital HPV-DNA prevalence in women. Studies with clear descriptions of polymerase chain reaction or hybrid capture detection assays were included.

RESULTS

A total of 346,160 women were included in 375 studies. Of 134 studies with age-stratified HPV prevalence data (116 low sexual risk populations, 18 high sexual risk populations), over 50% were from Europe and the Middle East (38%) and North America (19%), with smaller proportions from Asia and Australia (21%), Central and South America (11%), and Africa (10%). Across all geographical regions, data on HPV prevalence were generally limited to women over 18 years of age. Consistently across studies, HPV infection prevalence decreased with increasing age from a peak prevalence in younger women (< or =25 years of age). In middle-aged women (35-50 years), maximum HPV prevalence differed across geographical regions: Africa (approximately 20%), Asia/Australia (approximately 15%), Central and South America (approximately 20%), North America (approximately 20%), Southern Europe/Middle East (approximately 15%), and Northern Europe (approximately 15%). Inconsistent trends in HPV prevalence by age were noted in older women, with a decrease or plateau of HPV prevalence in older ages in most studies, whereas others showed an increase of HPV prevalence in older ages. Similar trends of HPV 16 and/or 18 prevalence by age were noted among 12 populations with available data.

DISCUSSION

Genital HPV infection in women is predominantly acquired in adolescence, and peak prevalence in middle-aged women appears to differ across geographical regions. Worldwide variations in HPV prevalence across age appear to largely reflect differences in sexual behavior across geographical regions. Further studies of HPV prevalence in adolescents are needed for all geographic regions.

Human papillomavirus genotypes associated with cervical cytologic abnormalities and HIV infection in Ugandan women

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with almost all cases of cervical cancer, and cervical cancer is a common malignancy in women living in developing countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HPV infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and cervical cytologic abnormalities in women presenting to a sexually transmitted infections clinic in Kampala, Uganda. In June and July, 2002, 135 women underwent complete physical exams including Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. HIV status was evaluated by serology. Cervical and vaginal swabs were obtained by clinicians and tested for HPV genotypes by PCR/reverse blot strip assay. Of the 106 women with cervical swabs adequate for HPV testing, the HPV prevalence was 46.2% (49/106). HIV prevalence was 34.9% (37/106). High risk genotypes 52, 58, and 16 were the genotypes detected most commonly. Eighteen percent (9/49) of women infected with HPV were found to have genotypes 16 and/or 18. Seventy-three percent (27/37) of HIV-positive women versus 16% (10/63) of HIV-negative women had abnormal Pap smears (P < 0.0001). Among HIV-positive women, abnormal Pap smears were associated with the presence of high risk HPV genotypes (P < 0.001). The majority of women infected with HPV attending this sexually transmitted infections clinic in Uganda were infected with high risk HPV genotypes other than 16 and 18. Future studies should focus on whether current HPV vaccine formulations, that are limited to high risk genotypes 16 and 18, would be effective at decreasing the burden of cervical cancer in this population.

Prevalence and predictors of squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix in HIV-infected women in Lusaka, Zambia

OBJECTIVES

HIV-infected women living in resource-constrained nations like Zambia are now accessing antiretroviral therapy and thus may live long enough for HPV-induced cervical cancer to manifest and progress. We evaluated the prevalence and predictors of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) among HIV-infected women in Zambia.

METHODS

We screened 150 consecutive, non-pregnant HIV-infected women accessing HIV/AIDS care services in Lusaka, Zambia. We collected cervical specimens for cytological analysis by liquid-based monolayer cytology (ThinPrep Pap Test) and HPV typing using the Roche Linear Array PCR assay.

RESULTS

The median age of study participants was 36 years (range 23-49 years) and their median CD4+ count was 165/microL (range 7-942). The prevalence of SIL on cytology was 76% (114/150), of which 23.3% (35/150) women had low-grade SIL, 32.6% (49/150) had high-grade SIL, and 20% (30/150) had lesions suspicious for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). High-risk HPV types were present in 85.3% (128/150) women. On univariate analyses, age of the participant, CD4+ cell count, and presence of any high-risk HPV type were significantly associated with the presence of severely abnormal cytological lesions (i.e., high-grade SIL and lesions suspicious for SCC). Multivariable logistic regression modeling suggested the presence of any high-risk HPV type as an independent predictor of severely abnormal cytology (adjusted OR: 12.4, 95% CI 2.62-58.1, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of abnormal squamous cytology in our study is one of the highest reported in any population worldwide. Screening of HIV-infected women in resource-constrained settings like Zambia should be implemented to prevent development of HPV-induced SCC.

Prevalence of serum antibodies to human papilloma virus in patients with genital ulcer disease in an urban population of Tanzania

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) in Tanzania is largely unknown both in risk groups and in the general population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cumulative seroprevalence of selected HPV types in order to evaluate exposure to HPV in urban Tanzania.

METHOD

In a cross-sectional study, sera of 200 patients of both sexes with genital ulcer disease (GUD) and sera of 60 male blood donors and 60 pregnant women were tested for antibodies to the oncogenic HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 51 and 52 using an ELISA based on virus-like particles (VLP).

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of HPV types for all patients with GUD was 83% and 77% for women and men, respectively. For pregnant women and male blood donors, the corresponding percentages were 55% and 15%, respectively. The most common HPV types were 16, 18 and 52. Infection with multiple types was more than 10 and 5 times more frequent than infection with a single type 16 in patients with GUD and in pregnant women, respectively. The seroprevalence to HPV types 16, 18, 51 and 52 was considerably higher in HIV-positive patients with GUD than in HIV-negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Infections with the oncogenic HPV types 16, 18 and 52 are common among patients with GUD and pregnant women in urban Tanzania, emphasising the need for control, treatment and implementation of appropriate HPV vaccine programmes.

Strategies for the prevention of cervical cancer by human papillomavirus vaccination

As cervical cancer is causally associated with 14 high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a successful HPV vaccine will have a major impact on this disease. Although some persistent HPV infections progress to cervical cancer, host immunity is generally able to clear most HPV infections. Both cell-mediated and antibody responses have been implicated in influencing the susceptibility, persistence or clearance of genital HPV infection. There have been two clinical trials that show that vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) made from the major capsid protein, L1, are able to type specifically protect against cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia and infection. However, there is no evidence that even a mixed VLP vaccine will protect against types not included in the vaccine, and a major challenge that remains is how to engineer protection across a broader spectrum of viruses. Strategies for production of HPV vaccines using different vaccine vectors and different production systems are also reviewed.

Gender differences in sexual biomarkers and behaviors associated with human papillomavirus-16, -18, and -33 seroprevalence

BACKGROUND

The elevated risk for incident head and neck cancer among human papillomavirus (HPV)-16-seropositive individuals has substantiated a role for HPV in the etiology of head and neck cancers. The relationship between HPV seroreactivity and prevalent oral HPV infection in men and women without cancer has yet to be investigated.

GOAL

The goal of this study was to evaluate a possible association between oral HPV infection and HPV seroreactivity after adjustment for gender, sexual behaviors, and sexually transmitted disease.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study of factors associated with HPV-16, -18, and -33 seroreactivity was performed in a population of 586 men and women with and without HIV infection. Antibodies in sera were measured by use of a virus-like protein (VLP)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Exfoliated cells from the tonsillar and oral mucosa were analyzed for the presence of 38 mucosal HPV types by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Women had significantly greater seroreactivity for all HPV types investigated when compared with men (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-6.0). Seroprevalence was greatest in men and women aged 35 to 45 years. Tonsillar HPV infection, oral sex with men, and HIV infection were independently associated with HPV seroreactivity in men after adjustment for age and number of sexual partners. In women, HSV-2 seropositivity and a history of sexually transmitted diseases were similarly important. Oral and tonsillar HPV infection were not associated with HPV seroreactivity in women.

CONCLUSION

HPV seropositivity is associated with sexually transmitted diseases among women and possibly mucosal HPV exposures in men. Tonsillar HPV infection could impact seroprevalence, particularly in men.

Postmodern cancer: the role of human immunodeficiency virus in uterine cervical cancer

The association between cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) is well known, but its association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is controversial. Coinfection with HPV and HIV is to be expected and recent epidemiological data from Africa show that cervical cancer is the most common AIDS defining neoplasm in women. Unlike other AIDS defining neoplasms, the occurrence of cervical cancer is not dependent on immune compromise. HIV alters the natural history of HPV infection, with decreased regression rates and more rapid progression to high grade and invasive lesions, which are refractory to treatment, requiring more stringent intervention and monitoring. The more aggressive behaviour is mirrored by a different molecular pathway. HIV associated cervical cancers are thought to progress through the microsatellite instability pathway, whereas HIV negative ones progress through loss of heterozygosity. Interaction is probably via viral proteins, with HIV proteins enhancing effectiveness of HPV proteins, and perhaps contributing to cell cycle disruption. Dysregulation of the cellular and humoral arms of the local and systemic immune systems may ensure disease progression. Furthermore, HPV infection may predispose to HIV infection and facilitate its progression.

Research and clinical aspects of immunology in Africa

There are few immunologists in Africa. Researchers predominantly study the immunology of infectious diseases (HIV, malaria and tuberculosis), HLA genotypes and cytokine secretion patterns. Lack of research funding is the problem; continued, equitable international collaboration is a short-term answer. Sustainable development will come when African countries find ways of training and retaining scientists who will produce research and diagnostic tests. The Internet should be utilized to improve communication and as a conduit for online, virtual immunology courses.