High impact of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine across racial/ethnic groups: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2006 and 2015-2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical as well as other cancers. Racial and ethnic disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the United States are well documented. HPV vaccination has been recommended in the United States since 2006 and is expected to prevent HPV-attributable cancers in all racial/ethnic groups. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine-type (HPV6/11/16/18) and nonvaccine-type cervicovaginal HPV prevalences were estimated from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 2015-2018 (vaccine era) and 2003-2006 (prevaccine era) data. Prevalence ratios comparing 2015-2018 to 2003-2006 were calculated among sexually experienced Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Mexican American (MA) females aged 14-24 years. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine-type prevalence declined 82% (CI: 60%-92%) among NHW, 86% (CI: 64%-95%) among NHB, and 100% among MA females, forecasting future reductions in cervical cancer across racial/ethnic groups.

U.S. Women with Invasive Cervical Cancer: Characteristics and Potential Barriers to Prevention

Objectives: Although invasive cervical cancer (ICC) rates have declined since the advent of screening, the annual age-adjusted ICC rate in the United States remains 7.5 per 100,000 women. Failure of recommended screening and management often precedes ICC diagnoses. The study aimed to evaluate characteristics of women with incident ICC, including potential barriers to accessing preventive care. Materials and Methods: We abstracted medical records for patients with ICC identified during 2008-2020 in five U.S. population-based surveillance sites covering 1.5 million women. We identified evidence of adverse social and medical conditions, including uninsured/underinsured, language barrier, substance use disorder, incarceration, serious mental illness, severe obesity, or pregnancy at diagnosis. We calculated descriptive frequencies and compared potential barriers by race/ethnicity, and among women with and without symptoms at diagnosis using chi-square tests. Results: Among 1,606 women with ICC (median age: 49 years; non-White: 47.4%; stage I: 54.7%), the majority (68.8%) presented with symptoms. Forty-six percent of women had at least one identified potential barrier; 15% had multiple barriers. The most common potential barriers among all women were being underinsured/uninsured (17.3%), and language (17.1%). Presence of any potential barrier was more frequent among non-White women and women with than without symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this population-based descriptive study of women with ICC, we identified adverse circumstances that might have prevented women from seeking screening and treatment to prevent cancer. Interventions to increase appropriate cervical cancer screening and management are critical for reducing cervical cancer rates.

A summary of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) use of a benefit-risk assessment framework during the first year of COVID-19 vaccine administration in the United States

To inform Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) COVID-19 vaccine policy decisions, we developed a benefit-risk assessment framework that directly compared the estimated benefits of COVID-19 vaccination to individuals (e.g., prevention of COVID-19-associated hospitalization) with risks associated with COVID-19 vaccines. This assessment framework originated following the identification of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after Janssen COVID-19 vaccination in April 2021. We adapted the benefit-risk assessment framework for use in subsequent policy decisions, including the adverse events of myocarditis and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) following mRNA and Janssen COVID-19 vaccination respectively, expansion of COVID-19 vaccine approvals or authorizations to new age groups, and use of booster doses. Over the first year of COVID-19 vaccine administration in the United States (December 2020-December 2021), we used the benefit-risk assessment framework to inform seven different ACIP policy decisions. This framework allowed for rapid and direct comparison of the benefits and potential harms of vaccination, which may be helpful in informing other vaccine policy decisions. The assessments were a useful tool for decision-making but required reliable and granular data to stratify analyses and appropriately focus on populations most at risk for a specific adverse event. Additionally, careful decision-making was needed on parameters for data inputs. Sensitivity analyses were used where data were limited or uncertain; adjustments in the methodology were made over time to ensure the assessments remained relevant and applicable to the policy questions under consideration.

Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as evidence for policy action: A rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomized studies

In December 2020, an interim recommendation for the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in persons aged ≥16 years was made under Food and Drug Administration's Emergency Use Authorization. In preparation for Biologics License Application approval, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to inform the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice's (ACIP) decision-making for a standard recommendation. We conducted a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic COVID-19, hospitalization due to COVID-19, death due to COVID-19, and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified studies through August 20, 2021 from an ongoing systematic review conducted by the International Vaccine Access Center and the World Health Organization. We evaluated each study for risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis. The body of evidence for each outcome was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We identified 80 articles, selected 35 for full-text review, and included 26. The pooled VE of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was 92.4% (95% CI: 87.5%-95.3%) against symptomatic COVID-19 with moderate evidence certainty (eight studies), 94.3% (95% CI: 87.9%-97.3%) against hospitalization due to COVID-19 with moderate certainty (eight studies), 96.1% (95% CI: 91.5%-98.2%) against death due to COVID-19 with moderate certainty (four studies), and 89.3% (88.4%-90.1%) against asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection with very low certainty (two studies). The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high effectiveness in all pre-specified outcomes and extended knowledge of the vaccine's benefits to outcomes and populations not informed by the RCTs. Use of an existing systematic review facilitated a rapid meta-analysis to inform an ACIP policy decision. This approach can be utilized as additional COVID-19 vaccines are considered for standard recommendations by ACIP.

HPV type-specific trends in cervical precancers in the United States, 2008-2016

Declines in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2-3 and adenocarcinoma in situ (CIN2+) observed among young women suggest impact from human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. To further evaluate vaccine impact including cross-protection and type replacement, we described high-risk (HR)-HPV type-specific cervical precancer incidence rates among women aged 20-39 years, 2008-2016. We analyzed cross-sectional population-based data on 18,344 cases of CIN2+ from a 5-site surveillance system. Diagnostic specimens were tested for individual HPV types, including 14 HR-HPV types (HPV16/18/31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/66/68). We estimated age-specific annual HR-HPV type-specific CIN2+ incidence per 100,000 screened women for individual types, vaccine HR-HPV types (HPV16/18) and non-vaccine HR-HPV types (non-HPV16/18). We evaluated trends using average annual percent changes (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and estimated total declines by comparing 2015-2016 to 2008-2009 using incidence rate ratios. Among 20-24-year-olds, HPV16/18-CIN2+ declined from 2008 through 2016 (AAPC: -21.3%, 95% CI: -28.1%, -13.8%), whereas no trend was observed for non-HPV16/18-CIN2+ (AAPC: -1.8%, 95% CI: -8.1%, 4.9%). After 2010, CIN2+ among 20-24-year-olds was more often caused by non-vaccine versus vaccine HR-HPV types. No significant declining trends were observed in older age groups. In 2015-2016 compared to 2008-2009, HPV16-CIN2+ declined 78%, HPV18-CIN2+ 72%, and HPV31-CIN2+ 51% among 20-24-year-olds; no increases were observed in type-specific CIN2+ incidence. Among 25-29-year-olds, HPV16-CIN2+ declined 18%; CIN2+ attributed to seven nonvaccine types increased significantly. No significant declines were observed in older groups. Significant declines in HPV16/18-CIN2+ in 20-24-year-olds and HPV16-CIN2+ in 25-29-year-olds corroborate impact of HPV vaccination. A declining trend in HPV31-CIN2+ is consistent with cross-protection from vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Impact and Effectiveness Through 12 Years After Vaccine Introduction in the United States, 2003 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was introduced in 2006 for females and in 2011 for males.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate vaccine impact and effectiveness against quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV)-type prevalent infection among sexually experienced U.S. females and vaccine effectiveness for sexually experienced U.S. males.

DESIGN

NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) conducted in 2003 to 2006 (prevaccine era) and in 2007 to 2010, 2011 to 2014, and 2015 to 2018 (vaccine eras).

SETTING

Nationally representative U.S. surveys.

PARTICIPANTS

Sexually experienced participants aged 14 to 24 years.

INTERVENTION

U.S. HPV vaccination program.

MEASUREMENTS

Participant-collected cervicovaginal and penile specimens were tested for HPV DNA. The prevalences of 4vHPV and non-4vHPV types were estimated in each era for females and in 2013 to 2016 for males. Prevalences among the female population overall, vaccinated females, and unvaccinated females were compared in vaccine eras versus the prevaccine era (vaccine impact). Within each vaccine era, prevalence among vaccinated females was compared with that among unvaccinated females (vaccine effectiveness). Vaccine impact and effectiveness were estimated as (1 - prevalence ratio) · 100.

RESULTS

Among sexually experienced females aged 14 to 24 years, the impact on 4vHPV-type prevalence in 2015 to 2018 was 85% overall, 90% among vaccinated females, and 74% among unvaccinated females. No significant declines were found in non-4vHPV-type prevalence. Vaccine effectiveness ranged from 60% to 84% during vaccine eras for females and was 51% during 2013 to 2016 for males.

LIMITATION

Self- or parent-reported vaccination history and small numbers in certain subgroups limited precision.

CONCLUSION

Nationally representative data show increasing impact of the vaccination program and herd protection. Vaccine effectiveness estimates will be increasingly affected by herd effects.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Human papillomavirus prevalence in male and female university students in Gaborone, Botswana

In 2015, Botswana introduced the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a two-dose schedule in girls aged 9–13 years. We sought to establish a baseline HPV prevalence in unvaccinated young adults in Botswana. HIV-uninfected men and women aged 18–22 years were recruited from the University of Botswana in Gaborone during October 2019–February 2021. Demographic and behavioural characteristics were self-reported during structured interviews. Self-collected vaginal and penile swabs were tested for 28 HPV types using Seegene Anyplex II HPV28. We compared any HPV type, quadrivalent vaccine (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18)-type and non-quadrivalent vaccine-type prevalence in men and women and evaluated the risk factors for prevalence of any HPV type. A total of 493 men and 500 women were included in the analysis. Compared to men, women had higher prevalence of any HPV type (63.0% versus 31.4%, P < 0.001), vaccine-type HPV (21% versus 9.7%, P < 0.001) and non-vaccine-type HPV (60.4% versus 28.4%, P < 0.001). Higher prevalence of any HPV type in men and women was associated with having ≥2 sex partners in the past 12 months; always using condoms in the past 3 months was associated with a lower HPV prevalence. These data provide baseline information for future evaluation of the population impact of the HPV vaccination programme, including potential herd effects in men.

Cervical Precancers and Cancers Attributed to HPV Types by Race and Ethnicity: Implications for Vaccination, Screening, and Management

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic variations in attribution of cervical precancer and cancer to HPV types may result in different HPV vaccine protection, screening test coverage, and clinical management.

METHODS

Pooling data from seven U.S. studies, we calculated the proportional attribution of precancers and cancers to HPV types using HPV DNA typing from diagnosis. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

RESULTS

For all racial and ethnic groups, most cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) (n = 5,526) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases (n = 1,138) were attributed to types targeted by the 9-valent vaccine. A higher proportion of CIN3s were attributed to non-vaccine HPV types among non-Hispanic Black women (15.8%) compared with non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander (9.7%, P=.002), non-Hispanic White (9.2%, P<.001), and Hispanic women (11.3%, P=.004). The proportion of SCCs attributed to 9-valent types was similar by race and ethnicity (90.4%-93.8%, P = .80). A higher proportion of CIN3s were attributed to non-vaccine HPV35 among non-Hispanic Black (9.0%) compared with non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander (2.2%), non-Hispanic White (2.5%), and Hispanic women (3.0%, all P<.001). Compared with CIN3, the proportion of SCCs attributed to HPV35 among Non-Hispanic Black women (3.2%) was lower and closer to other groups (0.3%-2.1%, P = .70).

CONCLUSION

The 9-valent HPV vaccine will prevent nearly all cervical precancers and invasive cancers among major racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Adding HPV35 to vaccines could prevent a small percentage of CIN3s and SCCs, with greater potential impact for CIN3s among Black women. HPV screening tests target high-risk HPV types, including HPV35. Future genotyping triage strategies could consider the importance of HPV35 and other HPV16 related types.

Genital Human Papillomavirus Prevalence Over the Lifespan Among Females and Males in a National Cross-Sectional Survey, United States, 2013-2016

BACKGROUND

Patterns of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence by age differ by sex. To further the descriptive epidemiology of genital HPV, we analyzed prevalence by age for nonvaccine (non-4vHPV) type and vaccine (4vHPV) type HPV by sex using 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, the first 4 years of national data from both sexes.

METHODS

Penile and cervicovaginal swabs were self-collected from 15- to 59-year-olds and tested for 37 HPV types. The 4vHPV-type (6/11/16/18) and non-4vHPV-type (any of 33 other types) prevalences were estimated by 3-year age group and participant characteristics. Average percent changes (APCs) in prevalence were estimated using segmented log-binomial regression.

RESULTS

Among females, a positive relationship between non-4vHPV-type prevalence and age was seen from 15-17 to 21-23 years (APC, 56.5), followed by a negative relationship through 30-32 years (APC, -13.2); thereafter, prevalence was not related to age. The 4vHPV-type prevalence was positively related to age through 24-26 years (APC, 56.9), then negatively related through 57-59 years (APC, -6.0). Among males, non-4vHPV-type prevalence had a positive relationship with age through 21-23 years (APC, 102.4) with a smaller positive relationship through 57-59 years (APC, 1.4). For both sexes, modeled joinpoints for 4vHPV-type prevalence occurred at older ages compared with joinpoints for non-4vHPV-type prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences in age-specific non-vaccine-type HPV prevalence may reflect natural history and sexual behavior. Differences in vaccine-type and non-vaccine-type modeling results suggest vaccine impact as joinpoints occur in mid-late 20s for vaccine-type HPV but early 20s for nonvaccine types. These data can assist in refining HPV vaccination models and inform HPV vaccination practices and policy.

An Evaluation of Dose-Related HPV Vaccine Effectiveness Using Central Registries in Michigan

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine effectiveness (VE) evaluations provide important information for vaccination programs. We established a linkage between statewide central registries in Michigan to estimate HPV VE against in situ and invasive cervical lesions (CIN3+).

METHODS

We linked females in Michigan's immunization and cancer registries using birth records to establish a cohort of 773,193 women with known vaccination history, of whom 3,838 were diagnosed with CIN3+. Residential address histories from a stratified random sample were used to establish a subcohort of 1,374 women without CIN3+ and 2,900 with CIN3+ among continuous Michigan residents. VE and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using cohort and case-cohort methods for up-to-date (UTD) vaccination and incomplete vaccination with 1 and 2 doses, and stratified by age at vaccination.

RESULTS

Both analytic approaches demonstrated lower CIN3+ risk with UTD and non-UTD vaccination vs. no vaccination. The cohort analysis yielded VE estimates of 66% (95% CI, 60%-71%) for UTD, 33% (95% CI, 18%-46%) for 2 doses-not UTD, and 40% (95% CI, 27%-50%) for 1 dose. The case-cohort analysis yielded VE estimates of 72% (95% CI, 64%-79%) for UTD, 39% (95% CI, 10%-58%) for 2 doses-not UTD, and 48% (95% CI, 25%-63%) for 1 dose. VE was higher for vaccination at age <20 than ≥20 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The statewide registry linkage found significant VE against CIN3+ with incomplete HPV vaccination, and an even higher VE with UTD vaccination.

IMPACT

Future VE evaluations by number of doses for women vaccinated at younger ages may further clarify dose-related effectiveness.

Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Persons Aged ≥16 Years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, September 2021

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) is a lipid nanoparticle-formulated, nucleoside mRNA vaccine encoding the prefusion spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine consists of 2 intramuscular doses (30 μg, 0.3 mL each) administered 3 weeks apart. In December 2020, the vaccine was granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as an interim recommendation for use among persons aged ≥16 years by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (1). In May 2021, the EUA and interim ACIP recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine were extended to adolescents aged 12-15 years (2). During December 14, 2020-September 1, 2021, approximately 211 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine were administered in the United States.* On August 23, 2021, FDA approved a Biologics License Application for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty (Pfizer, Inc.), in persons aged ≥16 years (3). The ACIP COVID-19 Vaccines Work Group's conclusions regarding the evidence for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine were presented to ACIP at a public meeting on August 30, 2021. To guide its deliberations regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, ACIP used the Evidence to Recommendation (EtR) Framework,† and incorporated a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.§ In addition to initial clinical trial data, ACIP considered new information gathered in the 8 months since issuance of the interim recommendation for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, including additional follow-up time in the clinical trial, real-world vaccine effectiveness studies, and postauthorization vaccine safety monitoring. The additional information increased certainty that benefits from prevention of asymptomatic infection, COVID-19, and associated hospitalization and death outweighs vaccine-associated risks. On August 30, 2021, ACIP issued a recommendation¶ for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in persons aged ≥16 years for the prevention of COVID-19.

Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine After Reports of Myocarditis Among Vaccine Recipients: Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, June 2021

In December 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (BNT162b2) vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 (mRNA-1273) vaccine,† and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued interim recommendations for their use in persons aged ≥16 years and ≥18 years, respectively.§ In May 2021, FDA expanded the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents aged 12-15 years; ACIP recommends that all persons aged ≥12 years receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines encoding the stabilized prefusion spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Both mRNA vaccines were authorized and recommended as a 2-dose schedule, with second doses administered 21 days (Pfizer-BioNTech) or 28 days (Moderna) after the first dose. After reports of myocarditis and pericarditis in mRNA vaccine recipients,¶ which predominantly occurred in young males after the second dose, an ACIP meeting was rapidly convened to review reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis and discuss the benefits and risks of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in the United States. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle; if it is accompanied by pericarditis, an inflammation of the thin tissue surrounding the heart (the pericardium), it is referred to as myopericarditis. Hereafter, myocarditis is used to refer to myocarditis, pericarditis, or myopericarditis. On June 23, 2021, after reviewing available evidence including that for risks of myocarditis, ACIP determined that the benefits of using mRNA COVID-19 vaccines under the FDA's EUA clearly outweigh the risks in all populations, including adolescents and young adults. The EUA has been modified to include information on myocarditis after receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The EUA fact sheets should be provided before vaccination; in addition, CDC has developed patient and provider education materials about the possibility of myocarditis and symptoms of concern, to ensure prompt recognition and management of myocarditis.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus among females older than recommended age for vaccination by birth cohort, United States 2003‒2016

BACKGROUND

Apparent associations between HPV prevalence and age observed in cross-sectional studies could be misleading if cohort effects influence HPV detection.

METHODS

Using data from 2003-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), we evaluated overall and 10-year birth cohort-specific cervicovaginal HPV prevalence estimates (any, high-risk [HR], and non-HR) by 3-year age group among 27-59 year-old females born in 1950-1979. Average percent changes (APC) in HPV prevalence by 3-year age were calculated using prevalence ratios from log-binomial models.

RESULTS

Overall, prevalence of any HPV declined from 49.9% in 27-29 year-olds to 33.8% in 57-59 year-olds [APC: -2.82% per 3-year age group, 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.02%, -1.60%] as did prevalence of HR-HPV [APC: -6.19% (95% CI: -8.09%, -4.26%)] and non-HR-HPV [APC: -2.00% (95% CI: -3.48%, -0.51%)]. By birth cohort, declines by age group were seen in prevalences of any HPV, HR-HPV, and non-HR-HPV for those born in the 1950s and 1970s and in any HPV and HR-HPV for those born in the 1960s (APC range: -14.08% - 0.06%).

CONCLUSIONS

Declines in HPV prevalence with age in these cross-sectional surveys cannot be explained by birth cohort differences alone, as associations were observed across all birth cohorts. These findings are consistent with biological and behavioral explanations.

Estimate of Burden and Direct Healthcare Cost of Infectious Waterborne Disease in the United States

Provision of safe drinking water in the United States is a great public health achievement. However, new waterborne disease challenges have emerged (e.g., aging infrastructure, chlorine-tolerant and biofilm-related pathogens, increased recreational water use). Comprehensive estimates of the health burden for all water exposure routes (ingestion, contact, inhalation) and sources (drinking, recreational, environmental) are needed. We estimated total illnesses, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, deaths, and direct healthcare costs for 17 waterborne infectious diseases. About 7.15 million waterborne illnesses occur annually (95% credible interval [CrI] 3.88 million–12.0 million), results in 601,000 ED visits (95% CrI 364,000–866,000), 118,000 hospitalizations (95% CrI 86,800–150,000), and 6,630 deaths (95% CrI 4,520–8,870) and incurring US $3.33 billion (95% CrI 1.37 billion–8.77 billion) in direct healthcare costs. Otitis externa and norovirus infection were the most common illnesses. Most hospitalizations and deaths were caused by biofilm-associated pathogens (nontuberculous mycobacteria, Pseudomonas, Legionella), costing US $2.39 billion annually.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years - United States, May 2021

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (BNT162b2) vaccine is a lipid nanoparticle-formulated, nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine encoding the prefusion spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine consists of 2 intramuscular doses (30 μg, 0.3 mL each) administered 3 weeks apart. On December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Inc; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) in persons aged ≥16 years (1); on December 12, 2020, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued an interim recommendation for use of the vaccine in the same age group (2). As of May 12, 2021, approximately 141.6 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had been administered to persons aged ≥16 years.* On May 10, 2021, FDA expanded the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents aged 12-15 years (1). On May 12, 2021, ACIP issued an interim recommendation^† for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents aged 12-15 years for the prevention of COVID-19. To guide its deliberations regarding the vaccine, ACIP used the Evidence to Recommendation (EtR) Framework,^§ using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.^¶ The ACIP recommendation for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in persons aged ≥12 years under an EUA is interim and will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Among US Women and Men: Prevalence and Incidence Estimates, 2018

BACKGROUND

The most recent estimates of the number of prevalent and incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States were for 2008. We provide updated estimates for 2018 using new methods.

METHODS

We estimated the total number of prevalent and incident infections in the United States for 8 STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, sexually transmitted hepatitis B, and sexually transmitted HIV. Updated per-capita prevalence and incidence estimates for each STI were multiplied by the 2018 full resident population estimates to calculate the number of prevalent and incident infections. STI-specific estimates were combined to generate estimates of the total number of prevalent and incident STIs overall, and by sex and age group. Primary estimates are represented by medians, and uncertainty intervals are represented by the 25th (Q1) and 75th (Q3) percentiles of the empirical frequency distributions of prevalence and incidence for each STI.

RESULTS

In 2018, there were an estimated 67.6 (Q1, 66.6; Q3, 68.7) million prevalent and 26.2 (Q1, 24.0; Q3, 28.7) million incident STIs in the United States. Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus comprised 97.6% of all prevalent and 93.1% of all incident STIs. Persons aged 15 to 24 years comprised 18.6% (12.6 million) of all prevalent infections; however, they comprised 45.5% (11.9 million) of all incident infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of STIs in the United States is high. Almost half of incident STIs occurred in persons aged 15 to 24 years in 2018. Focusing on this population should be considered essential for national STI prevention efforts.

Estimated Prevalence and Incidence of Disease-Associated Human Papillomavirus Types Among 15- to 59-Year-Olds in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause anogenital warts and several types of cancer, including cervical cancers and precancers. We estimated the prevalence, incidence, and number of persons with prevalent and incident HPV infections in the United States in 2018.

METHODS

Prevalence and incidence were estimated for infections with any HPV (any of 37 types detected using Linear Array) and disease-associated HPV, 2 types that cause anogenital warts plus 14 types detected by tests used for cervical cancer screening (HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/66/68). We used the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate prevalence among 15- to 59-year-olds, overall and by sex. Incidences in 2018 were estimated per 10,000 persons using an individual-based transmission-dynamic type-specific model calibrated to US data. We estimated number of infected persons by applying prevalences and incidences to 2018 US population estimates.

RESULTS

Prevalence of infection with any HPV was 40.0% overall, 41.8% in men, and 38.4% in women; prevalence of infection with disease-associated HPV was 24.2% in men and 19.9% in women. An estimated 23.4 and 19.2 million men and women had a disease-associated HPV type infection in 2018. Incidences of any and disease-associated HPV infection were 1222 and 672 per 10,000 persons; incidence of disease-associated HPV infection was 708 per 10,000 men and 636 per 10,000 women. An estimated 6.9 and 6.1 million men and women had an incident infection with a disease-associated HPV type in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

We document a high HPV burden of infection in the United States in 2018, with 42 million persons infected with disease-associated HPV and 13 million persons acquiring a new infection. Although most infections clear, some disease-associated HPV type infections progress to disease. The HPV burden highlights the need for continued monitoring of HPV-associated cancers, cervical cancer screening, and HPV vaccination to track and prevent disease.

Declines in Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine-Type Infection Among Females after Introduction of Vaccine - United States, 2003-2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (1). Although most infections resolve without clinical sequalae, persistent HPV infection can cause cervical, other anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers and anogenital warts. HPV vaccination has been recommended in the United States at age 11-12 years since 2006 for females and since 2011 for males. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 years.* A quadrivalent vaccine (4vHPV) targeting types 6, 11, 16, and 18 was mainly used until 2015, when a 9-valent vaccine (9vHPV), targeting the same four types as 4vHPV and five additional types (31, 33, 45, 52, and 58), was introduced; 9vHPV has been the only vaccine available in the United States since the end of 2016 (2). HPV vaccination coverage has increased but remains lower than that of other vaccinations recommended for adolescents (3). A decrease in prevalence of 4vHPV types detected in cervicovaginal swabs among young females from the prevaccine era (2003-2006) to 2007-2010 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was an early indicator of vaccine impact (2) and was also observed in later periods (4,5). NHANES data from 2017-2018 were included in this analysis to update HPV prevalence estimates among females aged 14-34 years. From the prevaccine era to 2015-2018, significant decreases in 4vHPV-type prevalence occurred among females aged 14-19 years (88%) and 20-24 years (81%). In sexually experienced females, 4vHPV-type prevalence decreased in those who reported receiving ≥1 HPV vaccine dose (97% among those aged 14-19 years, 86% among those aged 20-24 years) and in those who reported no vaccination (87% among those aged 14-19 years, 65% among those aged 20-24 years). Significant declines among unvaccinated females suggest herd effects. These data show increasing impact of HPV vaccination in the United States. HPV vaccination is a critical prevention tool against HPV infection, anogenital warts, and HPV-attributable precancers and cancers. HPV vaccination is highly effective and is recommended routinely at age 11-12 years and through 26 years for persons not already vaccinated.

Human Papillomavirus 16/18-Associated Cervical Lesions: Differences by Area-Based Measures of Race and Poverty

INTRODUCTION

This analysis evaluates trends in cervical lesions with human papillomavirus 16/18 detected by area-based measures of race, ethnicity, and poverty during 2008-2015.

METHODS

Trends in the proportion of lesions with human papillomavirus 16/18 detected among residents of New Haven County, Connecticut were examined by area-based measures of race, ethnicity, and poverty. Area-based measures are aggregate descriptors of census tract characteristics useful for measuring differences in health outcomes in the context of where people live. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was conducted, adjusted for individual-level race, ethnicity, and insurance status to assess the independent effects of area-based measures. Data were analyzed in 2018-2019.

RESULTS

Among women aged 21-24 years and 25-29 years, significant declines in the proportion of lesions with human papillomavirus 16/18 were observed. Among women aged 21-24 years, declines began earlier and were greater in magnitude in areas of lower poverty (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.36, 0.85 for 2010-2012 vs 2008-2009 and OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.18, 0.51 for 2013-2015 vs 2008-2009) compared with higher poverty (OR=1.66, 95% CI=0.86, 3.21 and OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.19, 1.20). Similar patterns were observed for women aged 25-29 years, and for area-based measures of race and ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences were observed in declines in the proportion of human papillomavirus 16/18 lesions by area-based measures since the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccines, with greater and earlier declines in areas with fewer residents living in poverty and racial minorities. Ongoing human papillomavirus vaccine impact monitoring is necessary to track differences by sociodemographic characteristics.

Cervical adenocarcinoma in situ: Human papillomavirus types and incidence trends in five states, 2008-2015

Primary prevention through the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is expected to impact both cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). While CIN is well described, less is known about the epidemiology of AIS, a rare cervical precancer. We identified AIS and CIN grade 3 (CIN3) cases through population-based surveillance, and analyzed data on HPV types and incidence trends overall, and among women screened for cervical cancer. From 2008 to 2015, 470 AIS and 6,587 CIN3 cases were identified. The median age of women with AIS was older than those with CIN3 (35 vs. 31 years; p < 0.01). HPV16 was the most frequently detected type in both AIS and CIN3 (57% in AIS; 58% in CIN3), whereas HPV18 was the second most common type in AIS and less common in CIN3 (38% vs. 5%; p < 0.01). AIS lesions were more likely than CIN3 lesions to be positive for high-risk types targeted by the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines (HPV16/18, 92% vs. 63%; p < 0.01), and 9-valent vaccine (HPV16/18/31/33/45/52/58, 95% vs. 87%; p < 0.01). AIS incidence rates decreased significantly in the 21-24 year age group (annual percent change [APC] overall: -22.1%, 95% CI: -33.9 to -8.2; APC among screened: -16.1%, 95% CI: -28.8 to -1.2), but did not decrease significantly in any older age group. This report on the largest number of genotyped AIS cases to date suggests an important opportunity for vaccine prevention of AIS, and is the first to document a decline in AIS incidence rates among young women during the vaccine era.

Declines in Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus Prevalence in Females Across Racial/Ethnic Groups: Data From a National Survey

PURPOSE

To monitor human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine impact in the U.S., we evaluated quadrivalent vaccine (4vHPV)-type prevalence among females aged 14-34 years in the prevaccine (2003-2006) and vaccine (2013-2016) eras overall and by race/ethnicity in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

METHODS

We analyzed HPV DNA prevalence in self-collected cervicovaginal specimens, demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, and self-reported/parent-reported vaccination status. We compared prevaccine to vaccine era 4vHPV-type prevalence, using unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR and aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). PRs were calculated by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white [NHW], non-Hispanic black [NHB], and Mexican American [MA]). Overall aPRs were adjusted for race/ethnicity, lifetime sex partners, and poverty.

RESULTS

Overall, 4,674 females had HPV typing results; 3,915 reported NHW, NHB, or MA race/ethnicity. Vaccination coverage of ≥1 dose was 53.9% among 14- to 19-year-olds (NHW 52.6%, NHB 58.1%, and MA 59.5%) and 51.5% among 20- to 24-year-olds (NHW 58.8%, NHB 45.0%, MA 33.8%). Among 14- to 19-year-olds, 4vHPV-type prevalence decreased overall (11.5% to 1.8%; aPR = .14 [CI: .08-.24]) and in NHW (PR = .14 [CI: .06-.29]), NHB (PR = .26 [CI: .12-.54]), and MA (PR = .13 [CI: .03-.53]). In 20- to 24-year-olds, 4vHPV-type prevalence decreased overall (18.5% to 5.3%; aPR = .29 [CI: .15-.56]) and in NHW (PR = .27 [CI: .11-.67]) and NHB (PR = .38 [CI: .18-.80]). No significant declines were observed in older age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Within 10 years of vaccine introduction, 4vHPV-type prevalence declined 86% among 14- to 19-year-olds, with declines observed in NHW, NHB, and MA females, and 71% among 20- to 24-year-olds, with declines in NHW and NHB females. These extraordinary declines should lead to substantial reductions in HPV-associated cancers.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-vaccine types by race/ethnicity and sociodemographic factors in women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3/AIS), Alameda County, California, United States

We evaluated racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of oncogenic HPV types targeted by the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (16/18) and nonavalent HPV vaccine (31/33/45/52/58) in women diagnosed with CIN2/3/AIS after quadrivalent HPV vaccine introduction (2008-2015). Typing data from 1810 cervical tissue specimen from HPV-IMPACT (Alameda County, California, US), a population-based CIN2/3/AIS surveillance effort, were analyzed. Using log-binomial regression, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing type prevalence by race/ethnicity, adjusted for health insurance, age, CIN2/3/AIS grade, and time period, overall and in the "early vaccine era" (2008-2011) and "later vaccine era" (2012-2015). Overall, oncogenic HPV16/18 prevalence was significantly lower among black (43%) and Hispanic (43%) women compared with white (52%) women (aPR (95% CI): 0.80 (0.70, 0.93) and 0.80 (0.70, 0.91), respectively). In 2008-2011, proportion of HPV16/18 detected was significantly lower in black (47%), Hispanic (46%), and Asian (42%) women compared to white (58%) women (aPR (95% CI): 0.80 (0.67, 0.96), 0.75 (0.63, 0.90), and 0.73 (0.58, 0.90), respectively). There were no significant differences in 2012-2015. Between the two eras, HPV16/18 prevalence declined in white (-11%), black (-9%), and Hispanic (-6%) women, and increased in Asian women (12%). Decreasing HPV 16/18 prevalence in CIN2/3/AIS lesions in white, black, and Hispanic women may suggest benefit from quadrivalent vaccination. In our unadjusted analysis of HPV31/33/45/52/58, prevalence did not differ significantly by race/ethnicity, but was significantly higher among Hispanic women (32%) compared to white women (27%) after adjustment (aPR (95%CI): 1.22 (1.02, 1.47). Prevalence was also non-significantly higher among black (32%) and Asian (33%) women. This analysis suggests that the nonavalent vaccine's potential for impact against cervical precancers will not be lower in women of color compared to white women. These data underscore the importance of equitable vaccination in facilitating continued declines of vaccine-preventable HPV types among all women.

Trends in anogenital wart incidence among Tennessee Medicaid enrollees, 2006-2014: The impact of human papillomavirus vaccination

Introduction

Evidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine impact on anogenital warts (AGWs) by race or urbanicity in the US is lacking. We evaluated HPV vaccine impact in Tennessee by assessing AGW trends among Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) enrollees aged 15–39 years from 2006-2014.

Methods

Persons with incident AGWs were identified using diagnosis/pharmacy codes from TennCare billing claims. We calculated sex-specific annual AGW incidence by age group, race, and urbanicity; estimated annual percent changes (APCs) using log-linear models; and performed pairwise comparisons by race and urbanicity.

Results

AGW incidence decreased among females aged 15–19 (APC = −10.6; P < 0.01) and 20–24 years (APC = −3.9; P = 0.02). Overall trends were similar between Whites and Blacks, and between those living in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and non-MSAs. Rates among males aged 15–19 years began decreasing after 2010. Among enrollees aged 25–39 years, rates increased or were stable.

Conclusions

Following introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2006, AGWs decreased among age groups most likely to be vaccinated. The change in trend among young males after 2010 suggests early herd effects. Our findings indicate vaccine effects and support the importance of improving adherence to current vaccination recommendations for preventing AGWs and other HPV-related diseases.

Trends in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Types 16 and 18 in Cervical Precancers, 2008-2014

BACKGROUND

The impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been observed in the United States through declining cervical precancer incidence in young women. To further evaluate vaccine impact, we described trends in HPV vaccine types 16/18 in cervical precancers, 2008-2014.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a 5-site, population-based surveillance system. Archived specimens from women age 18-39 years diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2-3 or adenocarcinoma in situ (CIN2+) were tested for 37 HPV types. We described the proportion and estimated number of cases of CIN2+ by HPV-type groups over time. Trends in HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ were examined, overall and by vaccination status, age, histologic grade, and race/ethnicity, using Cochrane-Armitage tests.

RESULTS

In 10,206 cases, the proportion and estimated number of cases of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ declined from 52.7% (1,235 cases) in 2008 to 44.1% (819 cases) in 2014 (P < 0.001). Declining trends in the proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ were observed among vaccinated (55.2%-33.3%, P < 0.001) and unvaccinated (51.0%-47.3%, P = 0.03) women; ages 18-20 (48.7%-18.8%, P = 0.02), 21-24 (53.8%-44.0%, P < 0.001), 25-29 (56.9%-42.4%, P < 0.001), and 30-34 (49.8%-45.8%, P = 0.04) years; CIN2 (40.8%-29.9%, P < 0.001) and CIN2/3 (61.8%-46.2%, P < 0.001); non-Hispanic white (59.5%-47.9%, P < 0.001) and non-Hispanic black (40.7%-26.5%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

From 2008-2014, the proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ declined, with the greatest declines in vaccinated women; declines in unvaccinated women suggest herd protection.

IMPACT

The declining proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ provides additional evidence of vaccine impact in the United States.

Prevalence of Genital Human Papillomavirus Among Sexually Experienced Males and Females Aged 14-59 Years, United States, 2013-2014

Background

Differences in human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence among males and females have been reported. Using the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we evaluated sex differences in prevalence overall and by demographic and sexual behavior characteristics.

Methods

Self-collected penile and cervicovaginal swabs from participants aged 14-59 were tested for HPV DNA. Prevalences of any HPV and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) were estimated for sexually experienced males and females. Overall and in models stratified by demographic characteristics and behaviors, prevalence was compared in males and females using prevalence ratios (PR).

Results

Overall, males had higher prevalence than females of any HPV (PR, 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.27) and HR-HPV (PR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.43). Prevalences were lower among males than females at ages 14-19 and higher at ages 40-49 and 50-59. Sex differences in models stratified by race/ethnicity, poverty, sexual behaviors, and smoking were observed. After adjusting for lifetime sex partners, most sex differences were attenuated, but males had lower prevalences at ages 14-19 and 20-24 and higher HR-HPV prevalence among non-Hispanic blacks.

Conclusions

Any HPV and HR-HPV prevalences were significantly higher in males; sex differences varied by age group and race/ethnicity. Lifetime partners explained many of the differences by sex.

Giardiasis Diagnosis and Treatment Practices Among Commercially Insured Persons in the United States

Background

Giardiasis, the most common enteric parasitic infection in the United States, causes an estimated 1.2 million episodes of illness annually. Published clinical recommendations include readily available Giardia-specific diagnostic testing and antiparasitic drugs. We investigated sequences of giardiasis diagnostic and treatment events using MarketScan, a large health insurance claims database.

Methods

We created a longitudinal cohort of 2995 persons diagnosed with giardiasis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 007.1) from 2006 to 2010, and analyzed claims occurring 90 days before to 90 days after initial diagnosis. We evaluated differences in number and sequence of visits, diagnostic tests, and prescriptions by age group (children 1-17 years, adults 18-64 years) using χ2 tests and data visualization software.

Results

Among 2995 patients (212433 claims), 18% had a Giardia-specific test followed by or concurrent with an effective antiparasitic drug, without ineffective antibiotics. Almost two-thirds of patients had an antiparasitic and 27% had an antibiotic during the study window. Compared with children, adults more often had ≥3 visits before diagnosis (19% vs 15%; P = .02). Adults were also less likely to have a Giardia-specific diagnostic test (48% vs 58%; P < .001) and more likely to have an antibiotic prescription (28% vs 25%; P = .04). When Giardia-specific tests and antiparasitic and antibiotic prescriptions were examined, pediatric clinical event sequences most frequently began with a Giardia-specific test, whereas adult sequences most frequently began with an antiparasitic prescription.

Conclusions

Giardiasis care infrequently follows all aspects of clinical recommendations. Multiple differences between pediatric and adult care, despite age-agnostic recommendations, suggest opportunities for provider education or tailored guidance.

Prevalence and direct costs of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for selected diseases that can be transmitted by water, United States

National emergency department (ED) visit prevalence and costs for selected diseases that can be transmitted by water were estimated using large healthcare databases (acute otitis externa, campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, Escherichia coli infection, free-living ameba infection, giardiasis, hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, Legionnaires' disease, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection, Pseudomonas-related pneumonia or septicemia, salmonellosis, shigellosis, and vibriosis or cholera). An estimated 477,000 annual ED visits (95% CI: 459,000-494,000) were documented, with 21% (n = 101,000, 95% CI: 97,000-105,000) resulting in immediate hospital admission. The remaining 376,000 annual treat-and-release ED visits (95% CI: 361,000-390,000) resulted in $194 million in annual direct costs. Most treat-and-release ED visits (97%) and costs ($178 million/year) were associated with acute otitis externa. HAV ($5.5 million), NTM ($2.3 million), and salmonellosis ($2.2 million) were associated with next highest total costs. Cryptosporidiosis ($2,035), campylobacteriosis ($1,783), and NTM ($1,709) had the highest mean costs per treat-and-release ED visit. Overall, the annual hospitalization and treat-and-release ED visit costs associated with the selected diseases totaled $3.8 billion. As most of these diseases are not solely transmitted by water, an attribution process is needed as a next step to determine the proportion of these visits and costs attributable to waterborne transmission.

Cervical Adenocarcinoma in Situ in the United States: Results from Population-based Laboratory Surveillance, 2008–2014

Background

Cervical cancer screening methods are more effective for detection of squamous cell carcinoma precursor lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; CIN2 and 3) than for less-common adenocarcinoma precursors (adenocarcinoma in situ; AIS). Primary prevention through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is expected to impact both CIN and AIS, although less data exist about the HPV types associated with AIS. We analyzed HPV types detected in AIS and CIN identified through population-based surveillance.

Methods

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and partners conduct surveillance for CIN2, CIN3, and AIS (CIN2+) among women aged ≥18 years in five locations in the United States. Specimen blocks for women aged 18–39 are sent to CDC for HPV typing using L1 consensus PCR. We analyzed cases with AIS only, AIS with CIN2 or 3 (AIS+CIN), and CIN3 only, the highest grade squamous cell precursor. We used chi-square tests to compare HPV types by histology. Types evaluated were HPV16 and 18 (high-risk (HR) types targeted by all HPV vaccines), 5 additional HR types targeted by the 9-valent vaccine (31/33/45/52/58; “additional 9vHPV”), and 7 other HR non-vaccine types (35/39/51/56/59/66/68).

Results

Between 2008 and 2014, 18,394 women were diagnosed with CIN2+. Of those, 517 (2.8%) had AIS (283 AIS only, 234 AIS+CIN) and 5,766 (31%) had CIN3 only. Median ages at diagnosis for AIS, AIS+CIN, and CIN3 were 37, 32, and 31 years, respectively. HPV typing results were available for 89 AIS, 99 AIS+CIN, and 2,923 CIN3 cases; HPV was detected in nearly all specimens (99% AIS, 100% AIS+CIN, 98% CIN3), and 21% of positive specimens had >1 HPV type identified. HPV16 (AIS: 51%, AIS+CIN: 64%, CIN3: 59%; p ≤ 0.001) and HPV18 (AIS: 39%, AIS+CIN: 31%, CIN3: 5%; P ≤ 0.001) were most common. Additional 9vHPV types (AIS: 3%, AIS+CIN: 12%, CIN3: 26%; P ≤ 0.001), and HR non-vaccine types (AIS: 6%, AIS+CIN2+: 2%, CIN3+: 9%; P ≤ 0.001) were detected less frequently.

Conclusion

HPV types differed by histology, with AIS having a greater proportion of HPV 18 and a lower proportion of additional 9vHPV and HR non-vaccine types. This report on the largest sample of genotyped AIS cases to date provides data for vaccine impact monitoring, and suggests a high opportunity for vaccine prevention of AIS.

Disclosures

M. R. Griffin, MedImmune: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Among Females After Vaccine Introduction-National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2003-2014

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was recommended in 2006 for routine vaccination of US females aged 11-12 years. Most vaccine used through 2014 was quadrivalent vaccine (4vHPV), which prevents HPV-6, -11, -16, and -18 infection. To evaluate vaccine impact, we measured HPV prevalence in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

We analyzed HPV DNA types detected in self-collected cervicovaginal specimens and demographic, sexual behavior, and self-reported vaccination data from females 14-34 years old. We estimated HPV prevalence in the prevaccine (2003-2006) and vaccine eras (2007-2010 and 2011-2014).

Results

Among 14- to 19-year-olds, 4vHPV-type prevalence decreased from 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.1%-14.4%) in 2003-2006 to 3.3% (95% CI, 1.9%-5.8%) in 2011-2014, when ≥1-dose coverage was 55%. Among 20- to 24-year-olds, prevalence decreased from 18.5% (95% CI, 14.9%-22.8%) in 2003-2006 to 7.2% (95% CI, 4.7%-11.1%) in 2011-2014, when ≥1-dose coverage was 43%. Compared to 2003-2006, 4vHPV prevalence in sexually active 14- to 24-year-olds in 2011-2014 decreased 89% among those vaccinated and 34% among those unvaccinated. Vaccine effectiveness was 83%.

Conclusions

Within 8 years of vaccine introduction, 4vHPV-type prevalence decreased 71% among 14- to 19-year-olds and 61% among 20- to 24-year-olds. Estimated vaccine effectiveness was high. The decrease in 4vHPV-type prevalence among unvaccinated females suggests herd protection.

Mortality from selected diseases that can be transmitted by water - United States, 2003-2009

Diseases spread by water are caused by fecal-oral, contact, inhalation, or other routes, resulting in illnesses affecting multiple body systems. We selected 13 pathogens or syndromes implicated in waterborne disease outbreaks or other well-documented waterborne transmission (acute otitis externa, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), free-living ameba, Giardia, Hepatitis A virus, Legionella (Legionnaires' disease), nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Pseudomonas-related pneumonia or septicemia, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio). We documented annual numbers of deaths in the United States associated with these infections using a combination of death certificate data, nationally representative hospital discharge data, and disease-specific surveillance systems (2003-2009). We documented 6,939 annual total deaths associated with the 13 infections; of these, 493 (7%) were caused by seven pathogens transmitted by the fecal-oral route. A total of 6,301 deaths (91%) were associated with infections from Pseudomonas, NTM, and Legionella, environmental pathogens that grow in water system biofilms. Biofilm-associated pathogens can cause illness following inhalation of aerosols or contact with contaminated water. These findings suggest that most mortality from these 13 selected infections in the United States does not result from classical fecal-oral transmission but rather from other transmission routes.

Giardiasis and Subsequent Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Longitudinal Cohort Study Using Health Insurance Data

Background

Giardia intestinalis is the most commonly reported human intestinal parasite in the United States. Increased incidence of chronic gastrointestinal complaints has been reported after some giardiasis outbreaks. We examined the relationship between giardiasis diagnosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosis.

Methods

We used the 2006-2010 MarketScan commercial insurance database. Persons with at least 1 giardiasis diagnosis were individually matched on age group, sex, and enrollment length in months to 5 persons without a giardiasis diagnosis. Persons diagnosed with IBS before the date of study entry were excluded. We calculated crude incidence rates (IRs) and developed Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The matched cohort included 3935 persons with giardiasis and 19663 persons without giardiasis. One-year incidence of IBS was higher in persons with giardiasis (IR = 37.7/1000 person-years vs 4.4/1000 person-years). The unadjusted hazard ratio was 4.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.6-6.4), attenuated slightly to 3.9 (95% CI = 2.9-5.4) after adjusting for anxiety, depression, and healthcare utilization.

Conclusions

In a large insurance database, individuals diagnosed with giardiasis were more likely to have a subsequent IBS diagnosis, despite accounting for confounders. Future research on risk factors for IBS among giardiasis patients and the pathophysiology of postinfectious IBS is needed.

Evaluation of the Vulvar Cancer Histology Code Reported by Central Cancer Registries: Importance in Epidemiology

CONTEXT

-Knowing the subtype of vulvar cancer histology is important for estimating human papillomavirus-related cancer etiology. Surveillance of human papillomavirus-related vulvar cancers informs public health decisions related to vaccination against human papillomavirus.

OBJECTIVE

-To assess the accuracy of registry classifications of vulvar cancer and determine the histologic classification of cases reported as not otherwise specified.

DESIGN

-Pathology specimens were collected from Florida, Iowa, and Hawaii cancer registries. Registry diagnosis was compared with the pathology report from the medical record and a single expert study histology review of a representative histologic section from each case.

RESULTS

-The study included 60 invasive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases, 6 Paget disease cases, 2 basal cell carcinoma cases, and 53 in situ cases. Comparing subtypes of invasive vulvar SCC, the registry agreed with the pathology report classification in 49 of 60 cases (81.7%). Study histology review identified the same SCC subtype as the registry in 9 of 60 cases (15.0%) and the same SCC subtype as the pathology report in 11 of 60 cases (18.3%). Whereas the registry and pathology reports classified 37 and 34 cases, respectively, as being SCC not otherwise specified, the study histology review identified a more specific subtype in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

-Subtypes of vulvar cancer were frequently recorded as not otherwise specified in the cancer registry primarily because the pathology report often did not specify the histologic subtype. Vulvar cancer registry data are useful for tracking broad diagnostic categories, but are less reliable for vulvar cancer subtypes.

Giardiasis surveillance -- United States, 2011-2012

PROBLEM/CONDITION

Giardiasis is a nationally notifiable gastrointestinal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis.

REPORTING PERIOD

2011-2012.

DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM

Forty-four states, the District of Columbia, New York City, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and Guam voluntarily reported cases of giardiasis to CDC through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).

RESULTS

For 2011, a total of 16,868 giardiasis cases (98.8% confirmed and 1.2% nonconfirmed) were reported; for 2012, a total of 15,223 cases (98.8% confirmed and 1.3% nonconfirmed) were reported. In 2011 and 2012, 1.5% and 1.3% of cases, respectively, were associated with a detected outbreak. The incidence rates of all reported cases were 6.4 per 100,000 population in 2011 and 5.8 per 100,000 population in 2012. This represents a slight decline from the relatively steady rates observed during 2005-2010 (range: 7.1-7.9 cases per 100,000 population). In both 2011 and 2012, cases were most frequently reported in children aged 1-4 years, followed by those aged 5-9 years and adults aged 45-49 years. Incidence of giardiasis was highest in Northwest states. Peak onset of illness occurred annually during early summer through early fall.

INTERPRETATION

For the first time since 2002, giardiasis rates appear to be decreasing. Possible reasons for the decrease in rates during 2011-2012 could include changes in transmission patterns, a recent change in surveillance case definition, increased uptake of strategies to reduce waterborne transmission, or a combination of these factors. Transmission of giardiasis occurs throughout the United States, with more frequent diagnosis or reporting occurring in northern states. Geographical differences might suggest actual regional differences in giardiasis transmission or variation in surveillance capacity across states. Six states did not report giardiasis cases in 2011-2012, representing the largest number of nonreporting states since giardiasis became nationally notifiable in 2002. Giardiasis is reported more frequently in young children, which might reflect increased contact with contaminated water or ill persons, or a lack of immunity.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION

Educational efforts to decrease exposure to unsafe drinking and recreational water and prevent person-to-person transmission have the potential to reduce giardiasis transmission. The continual decrease in jurisdictions opting to report giardiasis cases could negatively impact the ability to interpret national surveillance data; thus, further investigation is needed to identify barriers to and facilitators of giardiasis case reporting. Existing state and local public health infrastructure supported through CDC (e.g., Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grants and CDC-sponsored Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Applied Epidemiology Fellows) could provide resources to enhance understanding of giardiasis epidemiology.

Giardiasis surveillance--United States, 2009-2010

PROBLEM/CONDITION

Giardiasis is a nationally notifiable gastrointestinal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis.

REPORTING PERIOD

2009-2010.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

State, commonwealth, territorial, and two metropolitan health departments voluntarily report cases of giardiasis through CDC's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.

RESULTS

During 2009-2010, the total number of reported cases of giardiasis increased slightly from 19,403 for 2009 to 19,888 for 2010. During this period, 50 jurisdictions reported giardiasis cases. A larger number of case reports were received for children aged 1-9 years than with other age groups. The number of cases peaked annually during early summer through early fall.

INTERPRETATION

Transmission of giardiasis occurs throughout the United States, with more frequent diagnosis or reporting occurring in northern states. However, state incidence figures should be compared with caution because surveillance capacity differs between states. Giardiasis is reported more frequently in young children, which might reflect increased contact with contaminated water or ill persons.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION

Local and state health departments can use giardiasis surveillance data to better understand the epidemiologic characteristics and the disease burden of giardiasis in the United States, design efforts to prevent the spread of disease, and establish research priorities.

HPV genotypes in high grade cervical lesions and invasive cervical carcinoma as detected by two commercial DNA assays, North Carolina, 2001-2006

BACKGROUND

HPV typing using formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) cervical tissue is used to evaluate HPV vaccine impact, but DNA yield and quality in FFPE specimens can negatively affect test results. This study aimed to evaluate 2 commercial assays for HPV detection and typing using FFPE cervical specimens.

METHODS

Four large North Carolina pathology laboratories provided FFPE specimens from 299 women ages18 and older diagnosed with cervical disease from 2001 to 2006. For each woman, one diagnostic block was selected and unstained serial sections were prepared for DNA typing. Extracts from samples with residual lesion were used to detect and type HPV using parallel and serial testing algorithms with the Linear Array and LiPA HPV genotyping assays.

FINDINGS

LA and LiPA concordance was 0.61 for detecting any high-risk (HR) and 0.20 for detecting any low-risk (LR) types, with significant differences in marginal proportions for HPV16, 51, 52, and any HR types. Discordant results were most often LiPA-positive, LA-negative. The parallel algorithm yielded the highest prevalence of any HPV type (95.7%). HR type prevalence was similar using parallel (93.1%) and serial (92.1%) approaches. HPV16, 33, and 52 prevalence was slightly lower using the serial algorithm, but the median number of HR types per woman (1) did not differ by algorithm. Using the serial algorithm, HPV DNA was detected in >85% of invasive and >95% of pre-invasive lesions. The most common type was HPV16, followed by 52, 18, 31, 33, and 35; HPV16/18 was detected in 56.5% of specimens. Multiple HPV types were more common in lower grade lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed an efficient algorithm for testing and reporting results of two commercial assays for HPV detection and typing in FFPE specimens, and describe HPV type distribution in pre-invasive and invasive cervical lesions in a state-based sample prior to HPV vaccine introduction.

Age-group differences in human papillomavirus types and cofactors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 among women referred to colposcopy

BACKGROUND

Recommendations for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing as an adjunct to cytology for cervical cancer screening differ by age group, because HR-HPV tests lack adequate specificity in women aged <30. Here, we assess age-group differences in HPV types and other risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) versus CIN0-2 in women from four colposcopy clinics.

METHODS

Women ages 18 to 69 (n = 1,658) were enrolled and completed structured interviews to elicit data on behavioral risk factors prior to their examinations. HPV genotyping was done on exfoliated cervical cell samples. We estimated relative risks (RR) for HPV types and cofactors for CIN3+, overall and stratified by age group.

RESULTS

After 2 years of follow-up, we identified 178 CIN3+, 1,305 CIN0-2, and 175 indeterminate outcomes. Nonvaccine HR-HPV types were only associated with CIN3+ among women ≥ 30 (RR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5-3.4; <30: RR = 0.9). Among all HR-HPV-positive women, adjusting for age, significant cofactors for CIN3+ included current smoking (RR = 1.5), former smoking (RR = 1.8), regular Pap screening (RR = 0.7), current regular condom use (RR = 0.5), and parity ≥ 5 (RR = 1.6, P(trend) for increasing parity = 0.07). However, the parity association differed by age group (≥ 30: RR = 1.8, P(trend) = 0.008; <30: RR = 0.9; P(trend) =.55).

CONCLUSION

Subgroup variation by age in the risk of CIN3+ points to the importance of the timing of exposures in relation to CIN3+ detection.

IMPACT

Future screening strategies need to consider natural history and secular trends in cofactor prevalence in the pursuit of appropriately sensitive and specific screening tools applied to appropriate age groups.

Evidence of placental haemorrhage and preterm delivery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate evidence of placental haemorrhage (PH) obtained through maternal interviews, patient charts and placental pathology examinations as potential indicators of a 'bleeding pathway' to preterm delivery (PTD).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

SETTING

Fifty-two clinics in five communities in Michigan, USA (1998-2004).

POPULATION

A subset (n = 996) of cohort participants with complete placental pathology data.

METHODS

First-trimester bleeding and placental abruption were ascertained by mid-trimester interviews and chart review, respectively. Disc-impacting blood clot was defined as a gross placental examination finding of a blood clot impacting adjacent tissue. Microscopic haemorrhage was defined as 'high' (top quintile) scores on an aggregate measure of placental pathology findings suggestive of atypical maternal vessel haemorrhage. These four PH indicators were compared with one another and with risk of PTD assessed by logistic regression analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preterm delivery and PTD subtypes (i.e. <35 weeks, 35-36 weeks; spontaneous, medically indicated) compared with term deliveries.

RESULTS

Placental abruption cases had 2.3-fold to 5.5-fold increased odds of the other three PH indicators. Disc-impacting blood clots and microscopic haemorrhage were associated with one another (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6), but not with first-trimester bleeding. In a multivariable model that included all four PH indicators and confounders, risk of PTD < 35 weeks was elevated with first-trimester bleeding (OR = 1.9 [1.0, 3.4]), placental abruption (OR = 5.2 [1.7, 16.2]), disc-impacting blood clots (OR = 2.3 [1.0, 5.0]) and microscopic haemorrhage (OR = 2.4 [1.4, 4.2]).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple clinical and subclinical PH indicators are associated with PTD, particularly early PTD.