Substantial Decline in Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Among Vaccinated Young Women During the First 8 Years After HPV Vaccine Introduction in a Community

Prevalence of non 16/18 high risk human papilloma virus as a quality metric in gynecological cytology

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted pathogen that causes anogenital disease. Cervical screening by cytology and HPV testing (co-testing) are important in prevention of cervical cancer. The Bethesda System category of atypical squamous cells (ASC) is used when a neoplastic process cannot be confidently identified. In such cases, the differential diagnosis is broad and includes benign conditions. Monitoring of ASC/SIL ratio is a commonly used laboratory quality assurance measure to prevent over- or under-use of this category. High risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) has been used in conjunction with the ASC/SIL ratio in determining whether a particular pathologist is over/under-using the indefinite category. However, the laboratory overall sample population prevalence rate of hr-HPV subtypes has not been previously examined for association with the ASC rate. In this study, the relationships between ASC/SIL ratio and hr-HPV prevalence rate and hr-HPV subtypes (16/18 and non-16/18) to the laboratory ASC prevalence were studied. The results demonstrate that HPV non-16/18 is the main subtype which is associated with ASC-US category. A large proportion of non-16/18 HPV-related cases are seen in young patients, which largely abates by the by fourth decade. In addition, there are differences in the ASC/SIL ratio for HPV 16/18 and non-16/18 types. The overall ASC/SIL ratio is an average of the ASC/SIL rate for the non-16/18 population and the HPV 16/18 population. Instead of basing the laboratory and practitioners' quality indicator solely on ASC/SIL ratio, the overall prevalence of HPV and its subtype ratio should also be reported as they are more reflective of laboratory performance.

Sexually transmitted infections in Spain: Current status

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are a major public health problem. The problems inherent to their diagnosis, treatment and prevention have to do not only with their nature, but also with organizational issues and overlapping competencies of the different health authorities in Spain. The real situation of STI in Spain, at present, is poorly known. For this reason, the Scientific Committee on COVID and Emerging Pathogens of the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) has formulated a series of questions on this subject which were distributed, not only among the members of the Committee, but also among experts outside it. The central health authorities provide very high and increasing figures for gonococcal infection, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Both HIV infection and Monkeypox are two important STI caused by viruses in our environment, to which it should be added, mainly, Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Emerging microorganisms such as Mycoplasma genitalium pose not only pathogenic challenges but also therapeutic problems, as in the case of N. gonohrroeae. The pathways that patients with suspected STI follow until they are adequately diagnosed and treated are not well known in Spain. Experts understand that this problem is fundamentally managed in public health institutions, and that Primary Care and Hospital Emergency Services, together with some institutions that deal monographically with this problem, are the recipients of most of these patients. One of the most serious difficulties of STI lies in the availability of the microbiological tests necessary for their diagnosis, particularly in this era of outsourcing of microbiology services. Added to this is the increased cost of implementing the latest generation of molecular techniques and the difficulties of transporting samples. It is clear that STI are not diseases to which the entire population is equally exposed and it is necessary to have a better knowledge of the risk groups where to focus the necessary interventions adapted to their characteristics. It should not be forgotten that STI are also a problem in the pediatric age group and that their presence can be a marker of sexual abuse with all that this implies in terms of health care and medicolegal activity. Finally, STI are infections that are associated with a high cost of care for which we have very little information. The possibility of expanding the automatic performance of laboratory tests for STI surveillance through laboratory routines is encountering ethical and legal problems that are not always easy to solve. Spain has created a ministerial area of specific attention to STI and there are plans to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these problems, but we still lack the necessary evidence on their impact. We cannot forget that these are diseases that transcend the individual and constitute a Public Health problem.

Ability of epidemiological studies to monitor HPV post-vaccination dynamics: a simulation study

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are caused by a broad diversity of genotypes. As available vaccines target a subgroup of these genotypes, monitoring transmission dynamics of nonvaccine genotypes is essential. After reviewing the epidemiological literature on study designs aiming to monitor those dynamics, we evaluated their abilities to detect HPV-prevalence changes following vaccine introduction. We developed an agent-based model to simulate HPV transmission in a heterosexual population under various scenarios of vaccine coverage and genotypic interaction, and reproduced two study designs: post-vs.-prevaccine and vaccinated-vs.-unvaccinated comparisons. We calculated the total sample size required to detect statistically significant prevalence differences at the 5% significance level and 80% power. Although a decrease in vaccine-genotype prevalence was detectable as early as 1 year after vaccine introduction, simulations indicated that the indirect impact on nonvaccine-genotype prevalence (a decrease under synergistic interaction or an increase under competitive interaction) would only be measurable after >10 years whatever the vaccine coverage. Sample sizes required for nonvaccine genotypes were >5 times greater than for vaccine genotypes and tended to be smaller in the post-vs.-prevaccine than in the vaccinated-vs.-unvaccinated design. These results highlight that previously published epidemiological studies were not powerful enough to efficiently detect changes in nonvaccine-genotype prevalence.

Impact of human papillomavirus vaccine on cervical cancer epidemic: Evidence from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program

Introduction

Since 2006, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been recommended for females aged 9-26 years in the United States. Aiming to evaluate the early effect of the HPV vaccine on cervical cancer, this study assessed the incidence of cervical cancer by age and histology before and after the introduction of HPV vaccination.

Methods

Data on cervical cancer incidence from 1975-2019 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Joinpoint regression was used to determine temporal trends over time. Future cervical cancer incidence (2015-2039) was projected using Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis. Age-period-cohort (APC) models were created to evaluate age, period, and cohort effects.

Results

For overall cervical cancer and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), incidence rate showed decreasing trends (-0.7%, and -1.0% annually, respectively), whereas cervical adenocarcinoma (AC) incidence continuously increased (2.6% annually). The incidence trends for AC were stable in the 20-24 and 25-29-year age groups, whereas there was an increasing trend in older age groups. Similarly, the projected trend for AC in females aged 20-30 years exhibited a decline, whereas an increase was predicted in the 31-40-year age group, especially in the 35-44 year age group. The birth cohort and period effects in SCC and AC were extracted from APC models.

Discussion

During the period of 1975-2019, the incidence of cervical AC remained almost unchanged in the age groups receiving HPV vaccines while increased in the age groups not receiving HPV vaccines. The birth cohort effects of SCC and AC of the cervix provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.

Real-world impact and effectiveness of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine: an updated systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which poses significant disease burden, is decreasing following implementation of vaccination programs. Synthesized evidence on HPV vaccine real-world benefit was published in 2016. However, long-term impact of vaccination, and how vaccination programs influence infection rates and disease outcomes, requires further examination.

AREAS COVERED

We systematically reviewed observational studies on HPV vaccination within MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from 2016 to 2020, involving 14 years of follow-up data. We identified 138 peer-reviewed publications reporting HPV vaccine impact or effectiveness. Outcomes of interest included rates of infection at different anatomical sites and incidence of several HPV-related disease endpoints.

EXPERT OPINION

The expansion of HPV vaccination programs worldwide has led to a reduction in genital infection and significant decreases in incidence of HPV-related disease outcomes. Therefore, the WHO has set goals for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern. To track progress toward this requires an understanding of the effectiveness of different vaccination initiatives. However, the impact on males, and potential benefit of gender-neutral vaccination programs have not been fully explored. To present an accurate commentary on the current outlook of vaccination and to help shape policy therefore requires a systematic review of available data.

Cancer incidence and spectrum among Uygurs in Hotan District in China

Cancer is the leading cause of death in China and a significant public health problem with increasing incidence and fatality rates. The Han nationality is the main ethnic group in China, and many reports on the epidemiology of cancers in Han nationality are published. However no studies report the cancer spectrum of Uygurs which are one of the minority nationalities in China. Hence, we present incidence and mortality numbers of different cancers for the Uygur patients for the period 2018-2020 in Hotan District where Uygur population accounts for 99 %. During the 3-year study period, 2509 new Uygur cancer cases were registered, comprising 774 men and 1735 women. Cervical cancer was the most common, followed by esophageal, breast, gastric and colorectal cancers. The most common cancers in women and men were cervical cancer and esophageal cancer, respectively. In conclusion, the cancer spectrum in Hotan is different from other regions of China and our research revealed the cancer incidence in Hotan, which could help us to take appropriate measures to reduce the incidence rate.

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.

Reduction in Vaccine HPV Type Infections in a Young Women Group (18-25 Years) Five Years after HPV Vaccine Introduction in Colombia

In Colombia, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was launched in 2012 in the context of a school-based national vaccination program targeting girls ages 9 to 14 and offering catch-up vaccination for girls ages 14 to 17. In this study, we evaluated the program's impact on type-specific HPV infection by comparing HPV cervical prevalence among vaccinated and nonvaccinated women. This is a comparative cross-sectional study conducted 5 years after the quadrivalent HPV vaccination implementation in a sentinel Colombian City. This study included young women (18-25 years old) who had been vaccinated in the catch-up group and were attending universities and technical institutions, and women who attended primary health care facilities for Pap smear screening. The HPV prevalence of 1,287 unvaccinated women was compared with the prevalence of 1,986 vaccinated women. The prevalence of HPV16/18 infections was significantly lower in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated women (6.5% vs. 15.4%; P < 0.001), whereas for HPV6/11 infections, a decrease of 63.7% in vaccinated women (1.02% vs. 2.81%) was observed. The adjusted effectiveness to HPV16/18 was 61.4%; 95% CI, 54.3%-67.6%. However, the effectiveness against HPV16/18 was significantly higher among women vaccinated before their sexual debut 91.5%; 95% CI, 86.8-94.5, compared with effectiveness for vaccination after their sexual debut, 36.2%; 95% CI, 23.6-46.7. Five years after the introduction of HPV vaccines in Colombia, high effectiveness of HPV to prevent HPV16/18 infections is observed in the catch-up cohorts including virgin and sexually active women. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Monitoring HPV vaccines post-licensure plays an important role in assessing the progress of immunization programs, demonstrating the impact of vaccines on the population, and providing data for policy needs. In Colombia, HPV vaccines showed effectiveness when administered before start of sexual activity, and two doses are sufficient to achieve good protection.

Real-world impact and effectiveness assessment of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine: a systematic review of study designs and data sources

INTRODUCTION

Vaccine effectiveness and impact studies are typically observational, generating evidence after vaccine launch in a real-world setting. For human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination studies, the variety of data sources and methods used is pronounced. Careful selection of study design, data capture and analytical methods can mitigate potential bias in such studies.

AREAS COVERED

We systematically reviewed the different study designs, methods, and data sources in published evidence (1/2007-3/2020), which assessed the quadrivalent HPV vaccine effectiveness and impact on cervical/cervicovaginal, anal, and oral HPV infections, anogenital warts, lesions in anus, cervix, oropharynx, penis, vagina or vulva, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

EXPERT OPINION

The rapid growth in access to real-world data allows global monitoring of effects of different public health interventions, including HPV vaccination programs. But the use of data which are not collected or organized to support research also underscore a need to develop robust methodology that provides insight of vaccine effects and consequences of different health policy decisions. To achieve the WHO elimination goal, we foresee a growing need to evaluate HPV vaccination programs globally. A critical appraisal summary of methodology used will provide timely guidance to researchers who want to initiate research activities in various settings.

Impact of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination, Rwanda and Bhutan

Rwanda and Bhutan, 2 low- and middle-income countries, implemented primarily school-based national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in 2011 (Rwanda) and 2010 (Bhutan). We estimated vaccination effectiveness through urine-based HPV prevalence surveys in schools in 2013–2014 and 2017. In Rwanda, 912 participants from baseline surveys and 1,087 from repeat surveys were included, and in Bhutan, 973 participants from baseline surveys and 909 from repeat surveys were included. The overall effectiveness against vaccine-targeted HPV types (i.e., HPV-6/11/16/18) was 78% (95% CI 51%–90%) in Rwanda, and 88% (6%–99%) in Bhutan and against other α-9 types was 58% (21–78) in Rwanda and 63% (27–82) in Bhutan. No effect against other HPV types was detectable. Prevalence of vaccine-targeted HPV types decreased significantly, as well as that of other α-9 types, suggesting cross-protection. These findings provide direct evidence from low- and middle-income countries of the marked effectiveness of high-coverage school-based, national HPV vaccination programs.

Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

This article addresses human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, one of the topics covered by the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The Protocol and Guidelines have been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects and guidelines for health service managers and health workers about diagnosing and treating people with papillomavirus infection. This theme is a significant public health issue since it is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, capable of triggering the oncogenic process of cervical cancer and the possibility of anogenital warts. Important information is presented for gaining knowledge about HPV and action strategies for infection prevention and control, provision of quality care, and effective treatment of the disease. Infection by the human papillomavirus is the sexually transmitted infection of the highest contagion, superior to genital herpes and HIV.

Association of Inadvertent 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Pregnancy With Spontaneous Abortion and Adverse Birth Outcomes

IMPORTANCE

The 9-valent human papillomavirus (9vHPV) vaccine is recommended for individuals through age 26 years and may be administered to women up to age 45 years. Data on 9vHPV vaccine exposures during pregnancy are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the associations between 9vHPV vaccine exposures during pregnancy or peripregnancy and selected pregnancy and birth outcomes (spontaneous abortion [SAB], preterm birth, small-for-gestational age [SGA] birth, and major structural birth defect).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study analyzed data from 7 participating health systems in the Vaccine Safety Datalink. The cohort comprised pregnancies among girls and women aged 12 to 28 years that ended between October 26, 2015, and November 15, 2018. Singleton pregnancies that ended in a live birth, stillbirth, or SAB were included.

EXPOSURES

Vaccine exposure windows were distal (9vHPV or 4vHPV vaccine administered from 22 to 16 weeks before last menstrual period [LMP]), peripregnancy (9vHPV vaccine administered from 42 days before LMP until LMP), and during pregnancy (9vHPV vaccine administered from LMP to 19 completed weeks' gestation). Primary comparisons were (1) girls and women with 9vHPV vaccine exposures during pregnancy vs those with 4vHPV or 9vHPV distal vaccine exposures, (2) girls and women with vaccine exposures peripregnancy vs those with 4vHPV or 9vHPV distal vaccine exposures, and (3) girls and women with 9vHPV vaccine exposures during pregnancy or peripregnancy vs those with 4vHPV or 9vHPV distal vaccine exposure.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Spontaneous abortions were confirmed based on medical record review and adjudication. Preterm and SGA births were identified from electronic health record and birth data. Major structural birth defects were based on diagnostic codes using a validated algorithm. Inverse probability weighting was used to balance the covariates. Time-dependent covariate Cox proportional hazards regression models and Poisson regression were used to estimate the associations between 9vHPV vaccine exposures and pregnancy and birth outcomes.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 1493 pregnancies among girls and women with a mean (SD) maternal age of 23.9 (2.9) years. Of these pregnancies, 445 (29.8%) had exposures to the 9vHPV vaccine during pregnancy, 496 (33.2%) had exposures to the 9vHPV vaccine peripregnancy, and 552 (37.0%) had 4vHPV or 9vHPV distal vaccine exposures. The 9vHPV vaccine administered during pregnancy was not associated with increased risk for SAB (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.66-1.93) compared with distal vaccine exposures. Findings were similar for 9vHPV vaccine exposures peripregnancy (relative risk [RR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.42-1.24). Among live births (n = 1409), 9vHPV vaccine exposures during pregnancy were not associated with increased risks for preterm birth (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.44-1.20) or SGA birth (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.78-2.20). Results were similar regarding the association between 9vHPV vaccine exposures peripregnancy and preterm birth (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.45-1.17) and SGA birth (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.65-1.88). Birth defects were rare in all exposure groups, occurring in about 1% of live births with available infant data.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found that 9vHPV vaccine exposures during or around the time of pregnancy were uncommon and not associated with SABs or selected adverse birth outcomes. These findings can inform counseling for inadvertent 9vHPV vaccine exposures.

[Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: human papillomavirus (HPV) infection]

This article addresses human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, this being one of the topics covered by the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The Protocol and Guidelines have been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects, as well as guidelines for health service managers and health workers about diagnosing and treating people with papillomavirus infection. This theme is an important public health problem, since it is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the world, capable of triggering the oncogenic process of cervical cancer, as well as the possibility anogenital warts occurring. Important information is presented for gaining knowledge about HPV, as well as action strategies for infection prevention and control, provision of quality care and effective treatment of the disease.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus and Estimation of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Effectiveness in Thimphu, Bhutan, in 2011-2012 and 2018 : A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Bhutan implemented a national program for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in 2010 involving girls aged 12 to 18 years and achieving nearly 90% coverage.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate HPV vaccine effectiveness in a city in Bhutan.

DESIGN

2 cross-sectional surveys, 2011-2012 and 2018.

SETTING

2 hospitals in Thimphu, capital of Bhutan.

PARTICIPANTS

Sexually active women aged 17 to 29 years: 1445 participants from the baseline survey and 1595 from the repeated survey.

INTERVENTION

National HPV vaccination program.

MEASUREMENTS

HPV was assessed in cervical cell samples by using general primer GP5+/GP6+-mediated polymerase chain reaction. Human papillomavirus types were stratified as vaccine types (HPV6/11/16/18) and nonvaccine types. Age- and sexual behavior-adjusted overall, total, and indirect (herd immunity) vaccine effectiveness (VE) was computed as (1 - HPV prevalence ratio) for HPV among all women and among unvaccinated women.

RESULTS

Between the 2 surveys, the prevalence of HPV vaccine types decreased from 8.3% to 1.4%, whereas the prevalence of nonvaccine types increased from 25.8% to 31.4%. The overall and indirect adjusted VE against vaccine-targeted HPV types was 88% (95% CI, 80% to 92%) and 78% (CI, 61% to 88%), respectively. Among women younger than 27 years, who were targeted by the vaccination program, the overall and indirect adjusted VE was 93% (CI, 87% to 97%) and 88% (CI, 69% to 95%), respectively. No impact on nonvaccine HPV types was detectable.

LIMITATION

Hospital-based recruitment; self-reported vaccination status.

CONCLUSION

In Bhutan, the prevalence of vaccine-targeted HPV types has decreased sharply, providing the first evidence of the effectiveness of a high-coverage national HPV vaccination program in a lower-middle-income country.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Implementation Challenges and Opportunities Related to HPV Vaccination Quality Improvement in Primary Care Clinics in a Rural State

Efforts to understand low human papillomavirus vaccine coverage led us to explore quality improvement (QI) decision-making programs and processes to increase vaccine uptake. These QI programs often include interventions recommended by the AFIX (Assessment Feedback Incentives eXchange) Program that supports Vaccines for Children (VFC) clinics. However, little is known about decision-making around intervention selection or extent of implementation. In collaboration with the state public health department in the rural Midwestern, investigators developed a survey to explore vaccine-related QI in VFC clinics. The survey was distributed via email to all VFC clinics (n = 605); results presented are from the primary care clinics (n = 115). Respondents (VFC liaisons) reported decisions about vaccine QI were made by multiple actors within their own clinics (45.1%), by a clinic manager in charge of multiple clinics (33.0%) and/or at a centralized administrative office (35.2%). Additionally, the majority of respondents considered external actors, like insurance companies (52.7%) or Medicaid/Medicare (50.5%), important to the decision-making process. Most commonly implemented interventions focused on provider knowledge and patient education. Least commonly implemented interventions required systematic changes, such as reminder/recall and follow-up after missed appointments. This preliminary research indicates there are multiple points of decision-making within clinics and health care systems, and therefore change agents at all points need to be involved. The most commonly implemented interventions focus on providers and patients, with an emphasis on education. Interventions requiring system-level changes and use of electronic health records are less common and more attention should be directed towards such interventions.

Decline in vaccine-type human papillomavirus prevalence in young men from a Midwest metropolitan area of the United States over the six years after vaccine introduction

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine changes in human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence among young men from a Midwest metropolitan area over the six years after vaccine introduction, including HPV prevalence in men overall, in vaccinated men to examine vaccine impact and in unvaccinated men to examine herd protection. An exploratory aim was to examine associations between number of vaccine doses and HPV prevalence.

METHODS

Men aged 14-26 years reporting male-female and/or male-male sexual contact were recruited from a primary care clinic, sexually transmitted disease clinic, and community setting during two waves of data collection: 2013-2014 (N = 400) and 2016-2017 (N = 347). Participants completed a questionnaire and were tested for penile, scrotal and anal HPV. Changes in prevalence of any (≥1 type) and vaccine-type HPV (HPV6, 11, 16, and/or 18) were examined using propensity score weighted logistic regression. Associations between number of doses and HPV infection were determined using chi-square tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The proportion of men with a history of ≥1 HPV vaccine doses increased from 23% to 44% (p < 0.001) from waves 1 to 2. After propensity score weighting, infection with ≥1 vaccine-type HPV significantly decreased among all men (29% to 20%; 31% decrease; odds ratio [OR] = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44-0.88) and unvaccinated men (32% to 21%; 36% decrease; OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.34-0.86); there was a non-significant decrease (21%) among vaccinated men. Associations between number of doses and HPV prevalence were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of vaccine-type HPV decreased among all, vaccinated, and unvaccinated men six years after HPV vaccine recommendation, supporting vaccine impact and herd protection. Decreases in vaccine-type HPV in all men appear to be due to decreases in unvaccinated men, suggesting that the full impact of vaccination has yet to be realized. Continued monitoring and efforts to vaccinate men prior to sexual initiation are warranted.

Adverse events following Quadrivalent HPV vaccination reported in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in the first three years after introducing the vaccine for routine immunization (March 2014 to December 2016)

In March 2014, the Quadrivalent human papilloma virus vaccine (4vHPV) was introduced in the female adolescents vaccination schedule of the National Immunization Program (PNI). A school-based vaccination program was implemented. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of the adverse events that took place after HPV vaccination, reported to the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Information System in Sao Paulo State, from March 2014 to December 2016. All reports that fit the definitions of the 2014 National Manual on AEFI surveillance were included. AEFI risk was estimated by dividing the number of reports by the number of vaccine doses administered in the period. In the three-year period, 3,390,376 HPV vaccine doses were administered and 465 AEFI reports were registered, with 1,378 signs and symptoms. The reporting rate was 13.72 per 100,000 vaccine doses administered. The reports peaked in the first year of the program. The most frequent AEFI was syncope, with 5.7 reports per 100,000 doses administered, followed by dizziness, malaise, headache and nausea. Overall, 39 AEFI cases (8.4%) were classified as severe , with a reporting rate of 1.15 per 100,000 vaccine doses administered. Most cases were classified as severe because of hospitalization. Among them, there were cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, seizures and miscarriage. All young women recovered without sequelae. We identified five clusters of AEFI reports in four cities; the larger AEFI cluster occurred in the city of Bertioga, in September 2014, involving 13 female adolescents. Our data are in accordance with those from other countries and corroborate the safety of HPV vaccines.

Population-level impact and herd effects following the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccination programmes: updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

More than 10 years have elapsed since human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was implemented. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of the population-level impact of vaccinating girls and women against human papillomavirus on HPV infections, anogenital wart diagnoses, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) to summarise the most recent evidence about the effectiveness of HPV vaccines in real-world settings and to quantify the impact of multiple age-cohort vaccination.

METHODS

In this updated systematic review and meta-analysis, we used the same search strategy as in our previous paper. We searched MEDLINE and Embase for studies published between Feb 1, 2014, and Oct 11, 2018. Studies were eligible if they compared the frequency (prevalence or incidence) of at least one HPV-related endpoint (genital HPV infections, anogenital wart diagnoses, or histologically confirmed CIN2+) between pre-vaccination and post-vaccination periods among the general population and if they used the same population sources and recruitment methods before and after vaccination. Our primary assessment was the relative risk (RR) comparing the frequency (prevalence or incidence) of HPV-related endpoints between the pre-vaccination and post-vaccination periods. We stratified all analyses by sex, age, and years since introduction of HPV vaccination. We used random-effects models to estimate pooled relative risks.

FINDINGS

We identified 1702 potentially eligible articles for this systematic review and meta-analysis, and included 65 articles in 14 high-income countries: 23 for HPV infection, 29 for anogenital warts, and 13 for CIN2+. After 5-8 years of vaccination, the prevalence of HPV 16 and 18 decreased significantly by 83% (RR 0·17, 95% CI 0·11-0·25) among girls aged 13-19 years, and decreased significantly by 66% (RR 0·34, 95% CI 0·23-0·49) among women aged 20-24 years. The prevalence of HPV 31, 33, and 45 decreased significantly by 54% (RR 0·46, 95% CI 0·33-0·66) among girls aged 13-19 years. Anogenital wart diagnoses decreased significantly by 67% (RR 0·33, 95% CI 0·24-0·46) among girls aged 15-19 years, decreased significantly by 54% (RR 0·46, 95% CI 0.36-0.60) among women aged 20-24 years, and decreased significantly by 31% (RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·53-0·89) among women aged 25-29 years. Among boys aged 15-19 years anogenital wart diagnoses decreased significantly by 48% (RR 0·52, 95% CI 0·37-0·75) and among men aged 20-24 years they decreased significantly by 32% (RR 0·68, 95% CI 0·47-0·98). After 5-9 years of vaccination, CIN2+ decreased significantly by 51% (RR 0·49, 95% CI 0·42-0·58) among screened girls aged 15-19 years and decreased significantly by 31% (RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·57-0·84) among women aged 20-24 years.

INTERPRETATION

This updated systematic review and meta-analysis includes data from 60 million individuals and up to 8 years of post-vaccination follow-up. Our results show compelling evidence of the substantial impact of HPV vaccination programmes on HPV infections and CIN2+ among girls and women, and on anogenital warts diagnoses among girls, women, boys, and men. Additionally, programmes with multi-cohort vaccination and high vaccination coverage had a greater direct impact and herd effects.

FUNDING

WHO, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé.

Efficacy and safety of glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide in treatment of human papillomavirus-associated diseases: a systematic review

Introduction. Human papillomavirus infection (HPV-infection) remains one of the most important health problems as it significantly reduces the quality of life and stigmatizes the patients. Also, the prevalence of cervical cancer – the most severe outcome of the HPV-infection is 5 % of the global burden of cancer. Although vaccination against human papillomavirus has been proved efficient, its availability in Russia continues to be limited. Therefore, it is important to review other methods of HPV-infection control. A number of studies have confirmed the efficacy of glucosaminylmuramyl dipeptide (GMDP) in the treatment of diseases associated with HPV-infection, but no systematic evaluation of these studies has been published in the available literature.

Aim: to analyze the data on the efficacy and safety of GMDP in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with HPVinfection.

Materials and methods. We used the PRISMA approach. The search for the relevant publications was conducted in international scientific databases: the Scientific Electronic Library, the Google Scholar, the ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Community Library, the Pubmed/MEDLINE, and clinical research registries. For this systematic analysis, only full-text publications were used. We evaluated the reliability of evidence and the methodological quality of the studies.

Results. We used the following search queries: "glucosaminyl-muramyl dipeptide", "glucosamine L'muramyl dipeptide", "H-acetylglucosaminyl-H-acetylmuramyl dipeptide", "GMDP", "Licopid" (both in Russian and English transcriptions). Based on the results of the screening, 14 full-text publications were selected. At the final stage, review articles with secondary data were excluded; also excluded were original articles published in doubtful resources and those with an unclear status of peer reviewing. This systematic analysis includes 7 publications of acceptable methodological quality. Here, we summarize the consistent conclusions derived from these reports: the addition of therapy with GMDP to local (surgical) methods increases the efficacy of treatment and the duration of remission; destruction of condylomas is more effective when combined with the course of GMDP as compared to using the local destruction alone; GMDP enhances the production of cytokines that have a direct antiviral and antiproliferative effect in HPV-infection (interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, gamma-interferon); GMDP causes normalization of cellular and humoral immunity (T-lymphocytes, T-cytotoxic lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, and CD72+ lymphocytes, as well as the production of serum immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM). A high safety profile of GMDP is evidenced from the absence of reports on adverse events.

Discussion. The recommendation for the inclusion of GMDP into a comprehensive treatment for HPV-infection in addition to local interventions is a strong recommendation. The differences between the Russian and international approaches can be explained by the difference in the available resources and funding. We propose to test whether using GMDP for reducing the risk of recurrent HPV-infection is beneficial in terms of pharmacoeconomics. Conclusion. The high efficacy and safety of GMDP in the combined therapy of HPV-infection has been confirmed. Further carefully designed studies on GMDP are needed.

Non-Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus Prevalence After Vaccine Introduction: No Evidence for Type Replacement but Evidence for Cross-Protection

BACKGROUND

We examined non-vaccine-type human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in a community before and during the first 8 years after vaccine introduction, to assess for (1) type replacement with any non-vaccine-type HPV and (2) cross-protection with non-vaccine types genetically related to vaccine-type HPV.

METHODS

Sexually experienced 13- to- 26-year-old women were recruited for 3 cross-sectional studies from 2006 to 2014 (N = 1180). Outcome variables were as follows: (1) prevalence of at least 1 of 32 anogenital non-vaccine-type HPVs and (2) prevalence of at least 1 HPV type genetically related to HPV-16 and HPV-18. We determined changes in proportions of non-vaccine-type HPV prevalence across the study waves using logistic regression with propensity score inverse probability weighting.

RESULTS

Vaccine initiation rates increased from 0% to 71.3%. Logistic regression demonstrated that from 2006 to 2014, there was no increase in non-vaccine-type HPV among vaccinated women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.42), but an increase among unvaccinated women (AOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.16-3.04). Conversely, there was a decrease in types genetically related to HPV-16 among vaccinated (AOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38-0.88) but not unvaccinated women (AOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.81-2.17).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find evidence of type replacement, but did find evidence of cross-protection against types genetically related to HPV-16. These findings have implications for cost-effectiveness analyses, which may impact vaccine-related policies, and provide information to assess the differential risk for cervical cancer in unvaccinated and vaccinated women, which may influence clinical screening recommendations. The findings also have implications for public health programs, such as health messaging for adolescents, parents, and clinicians about HPV vaccination.

Evidence for cross-protection but not type-replacement over the 11 years after human papillomavirus vaccine introduction

Examination of cross-protection and type replacement after human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduction is essential to guide vaccination recommendations and policies. The aims of this study were to examine trends in non-vaccine-type HPV: 1) genetically related to vaccine types (to assess for cross-protection) and 2) genetically unrelated to vaccine types (to assess for type replacement), among young women 13-26 years of age during the 11 years after HPV vaccine introduction. Participants were recruited from a hospital-based teen health center and a community health department for four cross-sectional surveillance studies between 2006 and 2017. Participants completed a survey that assessed sociodemographic characteristics and behaviors, and cervicovaginal swabs were collected and tested for 36 HPV genotypes. We determined changes in proportions of non-vaccine-type HPV prevalence and conducted logistic regression to determine the odds of infection across the surveillance studies, propensity-score adjusted to control for selection bias. Analyses were stratified by vaccination status. Among vaccinated women who received only the 4-valent vaccine (n = 1,540), the adjusted prevalence of HPV types genetically related to HPV16 decreased significantly by 45.8% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31-0.74) from 2006-2017, demonstrating evidence of cross-protection. The adjusted prevalence of HPV types genetically related to HPV18 did not change significantly (14.2% decrease, AOR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.56-1.21). The adjusted prevalence of HPV types genetically unrelated to vaccine types did not change significantly (4.2% increase, AOR = 1.09, CI = 0.80-1.48), demonstrating no evidence of type replacement. Further studies are needed to monitor for cross-protection and possible type replacement after introduction of the 9-valent HPV vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Effectiveness and Herd Protection in Young Women

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials of the 4-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine demonstrate high efficacy, but surveillance studies are essential to examine the long-term impact of vaccine introduction on HPV prevalence in community settings. The aims of this study were to determine during the 11 years after vaccine introduction the prevalence of (1) vaccine-type HPV in adolescent and young adult women who were vaccinated (to assess vaccine effectiveness) and (2) vaccine-type HPV in women who were unvaccinated (to assess herd protection).

METHODS

Young women 13 to 26 years of age were recruited from hospital-based and community health clinics for 4 surveillance studies from 2006 to 2017. We determined the proportion of vaccinated and unvaccinated women who were positive for vaccine-type HPV across the studies, and the odds of positivity for vaccine-type HPV using logistic regression; all analyses were propensity score-adjusted to control for between-wave differences in participant characteristics.

RESULTS

Vaccination rates increased from 0% to 84.3% (97% of study participants received the 4-valent vaccine). Among women who were vaccinated, 4-valent vaccine-type HPV detection decreased from 35% to 6.7% (80.9% decline; odds ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 0.22). Among women who were unvaccinated, 4-valent vaccine-type HPV detection decreased from 32.4% to 19.4% (40% decline; odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.97). Estimated vaccine effectiveness was 90.6% in wave 3 and 80.1% in wave 4.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study in which trends in HPV in a US community >10 years after 4-valent HPV vaccine introduction and after 9-valent vaccine introduction were examined, we found evidence of vaccine effectiveness and herd protection. Further research is needed to examine trends in 9-valent vaccine-type HPV after higher rates of vaccination are achieved.

Substantial Decline in Prevalence of Vaccine-Type and Nonvaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Girls 5 Years After Implementing HPV Vaccine in Norway

Background

In 2009, quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was introduced in a school-based single-cohort program targeting 12-year-old girls in Norway. We estimated the impact of the Norwegian HPV immunization program.

Methods

Three birth cohorts of 17-year-old girls, 2 nonvaccine-eligible cohorts (born 1994 or 1996) and 1 vaccine-eligible cohort (born 1997) were invited to deliver urine samples. The samples were analyzed for 37 HPV genotypes. HPV prevalence was compared between birth cohorts and between vaccinated and unvaccinated girls within and across birth cohorts after linkage to the Norwegian Immunisation Registry.

Results

In total, 17749 urine samples were analyzed. A 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37%-47%) reduction in any HPV type and 81% (95% CI, 76%-85%) reduction in vaccine types (HPV-6/11/16/18) were observed in the vaccine-eligible cohort compared to the 1994 cohort. Vaccine types were reduced by 54% (95% CI, 39%-66%) and 90% (95% CI, 86%-92%) in unvaccinated and vaccinated girls, respectively, from the 1997 cohort, compared with unvaccinated girls born in 1994. A significant reduction was also observed for several nonvaccine types. Vaccine-type prevalence was reduced by 77% (95% CI, 65%-85%) in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated girls from the 1997 cohort.

Conclusions

In this largely HPV-naive population, we observed a substantial reduction in vaccine and nonvaccine types in vaccinated and unvaccinated girls following introduction of HPV vaccination.

Prevalence and distribution of cervical human papillomavirus genotypes in women with cytological results from Sichuan province, China

The epidemiologic characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes vary by age, ethnicity, and geographic location, and the available data on HPV epidemiological characteristics with cytology results in Sichuan province are limited. Our research was conducted from June 2016 to July 2017. A total of 10 953 women getting HPV testing were enrolled. Liquid-based cytological and histological results were collected. The overall HPV infection rate was 24.1% in Sichuan province. The prevalence of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) was 19.9%. For hrHPV genotypes, HPV52 (15.5%) was the most prevalent genotype, followed by HPV16 (13.8%), HPV58 (13.3%), HPV51 (8.6%), HPV39 (8.1%), and HPV68 (7.8%). Among all HPV-positive women with a cytology or histology result, HPV16-positive women have the highest cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1)+ prevalence (11.1%), followed by HPV18 and HPV33; HPV16-positive women also have the highest CIN2+ prevalence (9.3%), followed by HPV58 and HPV18. To date, this is the largest study done in the Sichuan province for HPV prevalence and subtype distribution with normal and abnormal cytological results. The age-specific prevalence in patients at gynecology clinics and other clinics is different. Besides, patients at the same age also have a different hrHPV prevalence and lrHPV prevalence. Our result revealed that in every 10 HPV16-positive women, there is approximately one women with CIN2, CIN3, or cervical cancer. A higher oncogenic potential of HPV58 than that of HPV52 was observed.

Epidemiology of Any and Vaccine-Type Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Among 13-26-Year-Old Young Men After HPV Vaccine Introduction

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to determine prevalence of and factors associated with any human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccine-type HPV among young men after vaccine introduction, stratified by vaccination status.

METHODS

Young men were recruited from clinical sites from 2013 to 2015, completed a survey, and were tested for 36 anogenital HPV types. We determined factors associated with ≥1 HPV type among all participants, and vaccine-type HPV (HPV6, 11, 16, and/or 18) among all, vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, using multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Mean age was 21.5 years and 26% had received at least one HPV vaccine dose. HPV prevalence was lower in vaccinated versus unvaccinated young men (50.5% vs. 62.6%, p = .03). HPV positivity was discordant by anogenital site. At both sites, 59.4% were positive for ≥1 HPV type and 26.0% for ≥1 4-valent vaccine type. In multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with ≥1 HPV type among all participants were frequency of oral sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-3.24), recent smoking (OR = 1.84, CI = 1.17-2.90), and sexually transmitted infection history (OR = 1.56, CI = 1.02-2.38). Factors associated with vaccine-type HPV among all participants were white versus black race (OR = 1.91, CI = 1.10-3.34) and gonorrhea history (OR = 2.52, CI = 1.45-4.38); among vaccinated participants were private versus Medicaid insurance (OR = 5.6, CI = 1.46-20.4) and private versus no insurance (OR = 15.9, CI = 3.06-83.3); and among unvaccinated participants was gonorrhea history (OR = 1.83, CI = 1.03-3.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Anogenital HPV prevalence was high and vaccination rates low among young men 2-4 years after vaccine introduction, underscoring the urgency of increasing vaccination rates and vaccinating according to national guidelines.

Human papillomavirus vaccination and the role of herd effects in future cancer control planning: a review

INTRODUCTION

Vaccine herd effects are the indirect protection that vaccinated persons provide to those who remain susceptible to infection, due to the reduced transmission of infections. Herd effects have been an important part of the discourse on how to best implement human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and prevent HPV-related diseases.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper, we review the theory of HPV vaccine herd effects derived from mathematical models, give an account of observed HPV vaccine herd effects worldwide, and examine the implications of vaccine herd effects for future cervical cancer screening efforts.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

HPV vaccine herd effects improve the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating preadolescent girls, but contribute to making gender-neutral vaccination less economically efficient. Vaccination coverage and sexual mixing patterns by age are strong determinants of herd effects. Many countries worldwide are starting to observe reductions in HPV-related outcomes likely attributable to herd effects, most notably declining anogenital warts in young men, and declining HPV-16/18 infection prevalence in young unvaccinated women. Policy makers making recommendations for cervical cancer screening will have to consider HPV vaccination coverage and herd effects, as these will affect the positive predictive value of screening and the risk of cervical cancer in unvaccinated women.

Final analysis of a study assessing genital human papillomavirus genoprevalence in young Australian women, following eight years of a national vaccination program

OBJECTIVES

The VACCINE [Vaccine Against Cervical Cancer Impact and Effectiveness] study evaluated the prevalence of quadrivalent vaccine-targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18) amongst young women of vaccine-eligible age.

METHODS

Between October 2011 - June 2015, women aged 18-25 years from Victoria, Australia, were recruited through targeted advertising on the social networking website Facebook. Participants completed an online questionnaire and provided a self-collected vaginal swab for HPV DNA detection and genotyping (Linear Array HPV genotyping assay). Self-reported HPV vaccination details were verified with the National HPV Vaccination Program Register (NHVPR).

RESULTS

Of 1223 who agreed to participate, 916 (74.9%) completed the survey and, for 1007 (82.3%) sexually-active participants, 744 (73.9%) returned the self-collected swab, of which 737 contained detectable DNA. 184/737 (25.0%) were positive for HPV. Vaccine-targeted HPV genotypes were detected in only 13 (1.7%) women: 11 HPV 16 (six vaccinated after sexual debut, five unvaccinated) and two HPV 6. Prevalence of any of HPV 31/33/45 collectively was 2.9%, varying significantly by vaccination status (fully 2.0%, unvaccinated 6.8%; p = 0.01). Vaccination rates among the sexually-active cohort were high, with 65.6%, 71.6% and 74.2% of participants having received three, at least two or at least one dose of vaccine, respectively. Of women self-reporting HPV vaccination, the NHVPR confirmed one or more doses were received in 90%. Strong associations were observed between vaccination status, age, language spoken at home and country of birth, as well as between HPV detection and the number of male sexual partners.

CONCLUSION

Surveillance five to eight years' post-initiation of a national HPV vaccination program demonstrated a consistent and very low prevalence of vaccine-related HPV genotypes and some evidence of cross protection against related types amongst vaccine-eligible women from Victoria, Australia.

Persistence of memory B-cell and T-cell responses to the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in HIV-infected children

OBJECTIVE

To determine the magnitude and persistence of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV)16 and HPV18 B-cell and T-cell memory after three or four doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine (QHPV) in HIV-infected children.

METHODS

Seventy-four HIV-infected children immunized with four doses and 23 with three doses of QHPV had HPV16 and HPV18 IgG B-cell and IFNγ and IL2 T-cell ELISPOT performed at 2, 3.5 and 4-5 years after the last dose.

RESULTS

HPV16 and HPV18 T-cell responses were similar in both treatment groups, with higher responses to HPV16 vs. HPV18. These HPV T-cell responses correlated with HIV disease characteristics at the study visits. Global T-cell function declined over time as measured by nonspecific mitogenic stimulation. B-cell memory was similar across treatment groups and HPV genotypes. There was a decline in HPV-specific B-cell memory over time that reached statistical significance for HPV16 in the four-dose group.

CONCLUSION

B-cell and T-cell memory did not significantly differ after either three or four doses of QHPV in HIV-infected children. The clinical consequences of decreasing global T-cell function and HPV B-cell memory over time in HIV-infected children requires further investigation.

Who's Not Protected in the Herd? Factors Associated with Vaccine-Type HPV in Unvaccinated Women

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests that vaccine-type human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence may decrease in unvaccinated women after HPV vaccine introduction, indicating herd protection. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with vaccine-type HPV (i.e. absence of herd protection) after vaccine introduction.

DESIGN

We conducted three cross-sectional studies from 2006-2014 (n = 1180): wave 1 (2006-2007), wave 2 (2009-2010), and wave 3 (2013-2014).

SETTING

Participants were recruited from a hospital-based teen health center and a community health department.

PARTICIPANTS

We recruited 13-26 year-old young women; those included in this analysis had not received an HPV vaccine.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome measure was infection with at least one vaccine-type HPV (HPV6, 11, 16, 18).

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that in wave 1 (before vaccine introduction), history of anal intercourse (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3.0), age 18-21 vs 13-17 years (OR = 2.1, CI = 1.2-3.6), and Black/multiracial vs White race (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.1-3.0) were associated with vaccine-type HPV in unvaccinated women. In wave 2, no variables were associated with HPV. In wave 3, sexually transmitted infection history (OR = 3.6, CI = 1.3-9.7) was associated with HPV.

CONCLUSION

We did not identify a consistent set of modifiable risk factors associated with vaccine-type HPV after vaccine introduction across the three study waves, underscoring the urgency of vaccination for primary HPV prevention and the limitations of relying on herd protection.

Pediatric Gynecologic Cancers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Three primary categories of gynecologic cancer are found in pediatric and adolescent patients: stromal carcinomas including juvenile granulosa cell tumors and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, rhabdomyosarcomas arising from the vagina and cervix (sarcoma botryoides), and ovarian germ cell tumors which comprise a wide range of histologies. These entities are rare and treatment approaches have focused on decreasing late effects of chemotherapy treatment. Here, we review presentation, histologic classifications, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations for pediatric gynecologic cancers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Event-free and overall survival for these cancers is high, and the goals of treatment are minimization of morbidity and preservation of fertility with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomies and limited staging. Surveillance of tumor markers after surgery is helpful in monitoring for disease progression and adjuvant chemotherapy is often reserved for patients at recurrence. Recent literature supports avoiding chemotherapy even in high-grade germ cell tumors in the pediatric population.

Increasing HPV Vaccination Coverage Through Provider-Based Interventions

With discouragingly low vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV), we sought to improve the HPV vaccine completion rate for adolescents by increasing the consistency and quality of provider recommendations. Baseline data was extracted for vaccine completion rates among patients aged 13 to 17 years. Quality improvement measures led to interventions targeting factors associated with vaccine noncompletion, in particular, weaknesses in provider recommendations and patient characteristics most strongly correlated with missed vaccination opportunities. Vaccine completion rates increased overall from 50.9% to 61.7% ( P < .05), an increase seen in both males (42.6% to 57.3%, P < .001) and females (60.0% to 66.5%, P = .04). One-dose rates improved to 88.4% for males ( P = .02) and 91.5% for females ( P = .43). Vaccination also occurred more consistently, increasing from 77.5% of visits (95% CI 71.2-83.0) before study onset to 90.9% of visits (95% CI 85.4%-94.8%) afterward ( P < .01). HPV vaccination rates can increase through focused provider-level prompts and by offering the vaccine consistently.

US Health Care Clinicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Clinicians' recommendation for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine appears to be an important driver of parental decisions about vaccination. Our aim was to synthesize the best available evidence exploring the perceptions and experiences regarding HPV vaccination, from the perspective of the US clinician. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, Communication & Mass Media Complete, Consumer Health Complete (EBSCOhost), ERIC, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, MEDLINE with full text, and PsycINFO databases. We identified 60 eligible articles: 48 quantitative and 12 qualitative. We extracted the following information: study purpose, use of theory, location, inclusion criteria, and health care provider classification. Results were organized into 5 categories: 1) clinicians' knowledge and beliefs about HPV and the HPV vaccine, 2) clinicians' attitudes and beliefs about recommending HPV vaccines, 3) clinicians' intention to recommend HPV vaccines, 4) clinicians' professional practices regarding HPV vaccination, and 5) patient HPV vaccination rates. Although clinicians were generally supportive of HPV vaccination, there was a discrepancy between clinicians' intentions, recommendation practices, and patient vaccination rates. Studies reported that clinicians tended not to provide strong, consistent recommendations, and were more likely to recommend HPV vaccines to girls versus boys and to older versus younger adolescents. Analyses revealed a number of facilitating factors and barriers to HPV vaccination at the clinician, parent/patient, and systems levels, including clinician knowledge, clinician beliefs, and office procedures that promote vaccination. This review provides an evidence base for multilevel interventions to improve clinician HPV vaccine recommendations and vaccination rates.

Ten Years of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in the United States

Since human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was first introduced for females in the United States in 2006, vaccination policy has evolved as additional HPV vaccines were licensed and new data became available. The United States adopted a gender neutral routine HPV immunization policy in 2011, the first country to do so. Vaccination coverage is increasing, although it remains lower than for other vaccines recommended for adolescents. There are various reasons for low coverage, and efforts are ongoing to increase vaccine uptake. The safety profile of HPV vaccine has been well established from 10 years of postlicensure monitoring. Despite low coverage, the early effects of the HPV vaccination program have exceeded expectations.

Prevalence of potential sexual abuse in adolescents and young adults and feasibility of an assessment and management plan used in three research projects

The aims of this study were to examine the feasibility of a protocol to assess for assessment and response to potential sexual abuse (defined as self-report of sexual initiation before age 13) among adolescent and young adult research participants in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination screening; determine the proportion of participants whose survey responses indicated potential sexual abuse and assess whether age, gender, race, and recruitment site were associated with potential abuse. We pooled data from three cross-sectional studies of 13-26 year-old women and men (N = 1541) recruited at a Teen Health Center (THC) and Health Department (HD). Using written and electronic documentation, we demonstrated feasibility by the following outcomes: 100% of participants who indicated early sexual initiation were interviewed by the research staff, 100% of assessments were disclosed to participants' primary care clinicians, and no adverse consequences of the interviews or referrals occurred. Potential sexual abuse was identified in 95 participants (6.2%). In multivariable logistic regression, the following factors were independently associated with potential abuse: race (Black vs. White, odds ratio [OR] = 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6-5.7; other race vs. White, OR = 2.6, 95%CI = 1.0-6.5); and recruitment site (HD vs. THC, OR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.4-3.3). The standardized protocol to identify, assess and refer youth who may have been sexually abused was feasible and can enable researchers to ensure the safety of study participants.

Differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated women explain increase in non-vaccine-type human papillomavirus in unvaccinated women after vaccine introduction

The aim of this study was to determine whether an observed increase in non-vaccine-type human papillomavirus (HPV) in unvaccinated women during the first eight years after vaccine introduction may be explained by differences in demographics or sexual behaviors, instead of type replacement. We analyzed data from three cross-sectional surveillance studies of 13-26 year-old women (total N = 1180). For women recruited from a health department clinic, older age (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6) and consistent condom use with main partner in the past 3 months (OR = 11.6, 95% CI: 3.4-40) were associated with being unvaccinated. For women recruited from a teen health center African American race (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.07-0.7) and having Medicaid health insurance (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.7) were inversely associated with being unvaccinated. The observed increase in non-vaccine-type HPV prevalence in unvaccinated women may be explained by differences between unvaccinated and vaccinated women.

Population-based HPV vaccination programmes are safe and effective: 2017 update and the impetus for achieving better global coverage

Persistent oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and oropharynx. There is good evidence that prophylactic HPV vaccines are immunogenic and effective against targeted-type HPV infections and type-specific genital lesions, including high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), when administered prior to HPV infection. There is good evidence that HPV vaccines are safe in population usage, with the most frequent adverse event being injection-site reactions. There is evidence to support some cross-protection against non-targeted types occurring following the administration of HPV vaccines. There is limited evidence suggesting that HPV vaccines may be beneficial in preventing future disease in women treated for high-grade CIN. This chapter focuses on the accumulated evidence regarding the global use of the three licensed HPV vaccines including safety, immunogenicity, duration of protection, effectiveness, coverage to date and barriers to higher coverage.

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.

Progress in prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in 2016: A literature review

Prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine represents a revolutionary step forward in preventing HPV-related cancers, especially cervical carcinoma. Alongside appropriate screening, it has the potential to dramatically reduce cervical cancer incidence and even eradicate it. Following extensive evaluations in clinical trials, the first decade of routine HPV vaccine use provides overwhelming evidence of the vaccines' safety and their real-life effectiveness. In 2016, further clinical trials showed high vaccine efficacy in adult women, especially those that were HPV DNA-negative at baseline, and indicated possible protection from HPV-related diseases after treatment of precancerous cervical lesions. The recommendation for a two-dose schedule in individuals under 15 is further supported for all three licensed vaccines by immunogenicity studies that show non-inferior immune responses and similar clinical efficacy compared to the three-dose schedule. So far, natural competition between HPV types has not been confirmed and therefore vaccine-induced clinically significant type replacement is unlikely. The real-world effectiveness data showed cross-sectional reduction in the prevalence/incidence of vaccine-related HPV types, genital warts and precancerous cervical lesions in countries and regions with HPV vaccination coverage. These declines were evident not only in vaccinated females, but also in unvaccinated females and males, strongly suggesting herd protection. Despite an excellent safety profile consistently demonstrated in clinical trials and confirmed in real-life settings, recently invented controversial syndromes allegedly linked to HPV vaccines temporarily compromised some previously very successful vaccination programs and significantly contributed to the failure of HPV vaccine implementation in some countries with the highest prevalence of cervical cancer. However, several safety studies failed to confirm any association of these syndromes with HPV vaccination in various settings and geographic locations. The main challenges remain implementing HPV vaccination in national vaccination programs, especially in low-and middle-income countries with the highest burden of cervical cancer, and achieving and sustaining high vaccine coverage rates.