Vaccine Strategies against Human Papillomavirus: A Discussion Focused on Developing Countries

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women, and responsible for 274,000 deaths each year, most of which occur in developing countries. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is an essential factor in the development of cervical cancer and also a contributory factor in other types of cancer. The current prophylactic HPV vaccines provide protection against the -16 and -18 genotypes which are most commonly associated with cervical cancer worldwide. However, the increased costs of these vaccines inhibit their implementation in developing countries, affecting their viability. Moreover, a therapeutic vaccine is needed for women who are already infected by HPV and/or affected by HPV-related cancer. A number of innovative approaches to combat and treat HPV infection are currently being studied and some of these will be consider in this work, together with the development of new vaccines, especially in seriously affected areas located in developing countries. At the same time, there will be a discussion of the issues involved in carrying out effective HPV vaccination programs; these will take account of financial constraints, the lack of adequate infrastructure and the competing priorities, that are found in the surrounding social context of the developing countries.

Prevalence and Genetic Variability in Capsid L1 Gene of Rare Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) Found in Cervical Lesions of Women from North-East Brazil

“…In developing countries, cervical cancer comprises 85% of the total number of cases [1] and in Brazil, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women [2]. …”

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Variants and Genetic Diversity in the L1 Gene and Long Control Region of HPV16, HPV31, and HPV58 Found in North-East Brazil

“…Among these, 85% of the total number of cervical cancer cases occur in developing countries [ 1 ]. In Brazil, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women [ 2 ].…”