Age-Specific Human Papillomavirus Antibody and Deoxyribonucleic Acid Prevalence: A Global Review

Abstract

Purpose Global data on human papillomavirus serological and DNA prevalence are essential to optimize HPV prophylactic vaccination strategies. Methods We conducted a global review of age-specific HPV antibody and studies with both antibody and DNA prevalence for HPV types 16, 18, 6 and 11. Results One hundred-seventeen studies were included; participants’ ages ranged from several hours to over 90 years. HPV 16 seroprevalence was generally higher in Africa, Central and South America, and North America, more prevalent among women than men, and peaked around ages 25-40 years. HPV 18 seroprevalence was generally lower than HPV 16 with a later age peak. Data were limited for HPV 6 and 11, which both peaked at ages similar to HPV 18. In 9-26 year-old females, HPV 16 seroprevalence ranged from 0-31% in North America, 21-30% in Africa, 0-23% in Asia/Australia, 0-33% in Europe, and 13-43% in Central and South America. HPV 16/18 DNA prevalence peaked 10-15 years before corresponding HPV 16/18 antibody prevalence. Conclusions Females within the HPV-vaccine eligible age group (9-26 years) had a range of dual HPV 16 DNA and serology negativity from 81-87%, whereas 90-98% were HPV 16 DNA negative. Serology and DNA data are lacking worldwide for females younger than age 15 years, the prime target group for vaccination.

Seroepidemiology of High-Risk HPV in HIV-Negative and HIV-Infected MSM: The H2M Study

“…Prevalence of antibodies against HPV-16, which is the most carcinogenic and therefore most important HPV type, was high compared to other studies among (mostly heterosexual) males (16,17,34,41), but comparable to data reported for MSM specifically (40,42). However, comparisons between HPV serology studies are hampered by major differences in characteristics of the study population and in serology methods.…”

“…14). Not all HPV infections lead to seroconversion, approximately 60% of women and probably a lower percentage of men seroconvert (15)(16)(17)(18). Antibodies may persist for years, even decades, and therefore are reflective of a history of HPV exposure (as well as ongoing infections) at various anatomical locations (15,19).…”

HPV Seroconversion Following Anal and Penile HPV Infection in HIV-Negative and HIV-Infected MSM

“…Humoral immune responses following natural HPV infection of the anogenital tract are not always observed: approximately 40% to 60% of women and probably a lower proportion of men develop type-specific antibodies (5)(6)(7)(8)(9). If seroconversion does occur, antibodies against HPV capsids may persist for years, and are therefore reflective not only of recent, but lifetime HPV exposure (5,8,10).…”

“…If seroconversion does occur, antibodies against HPV capsids may persist for years, and are therefore reflective not only of recent, but lifetime HPV exposure (5,8,10). HPV seropositivity has been associated with both virus-related (e.g., regarding persistence of infection, viral load, and viral type) and host-related factors (e.g., increasing age, HIV-induced immunosuppression, anatomic site of infection, and sexual risk behavior; refs.…”

Serum antibodies to human papillomavirus (HPV) pseudovirions correlate with natural infection for 13 genital HPV types

“…Most HPV serology studies performed to date have been restricted to HPV-16 and -18 (11), although some studies have also reported on seropositivity to other HPV types (12,13).…”