Novel microsphere-based method for detection and typing of 46 mucosal human papillomavirus types

High prevalence of vaccine-preventable anal human papillomavirus infections is associated with HIV infection among gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with anal cancers and is more prevalent in gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (gbMSM), partly due to their vulnerability to HIV infection. Baseline HPV genotype distributions and risk factors can inform the design of next-generation HPV vaccines to prevent anal cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among gbMSM receiving care at a HIV/STI clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. Anal swabs were genotyped using a Luminex microsphere array. Multiple logistic regression methods were used to identify risk factors for four HPV outcomes (any HPV, any HR-HPV, and 4- and 9-valent vaccine-preventable HPVs).

RESULTS

Among 115 gbMSM, 51 (44.3%) were HIV-infected. Overall HPV prevalence was 51.3%; 84.3% among gbMSM living with HIV and 24.6% among gbMSM without HIV (p < 0.001). One-third (32.2%) had HR-HPV and the most prevalent vaccine-preventable HR-HPV genotypes were 16, 35, 45, and 58. HPV-18 was uncommon (n = 2). The 9-valent Gardasil vaccine would have prevented 61.0% of HPV types observed in this population. In multivariate analyses, HIV status was the only significant risk factor for any HPV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:23.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 7.3-86.0, p < 0.001) and for HR-HPV (aOR: 8.9, 95% CI: 2.8-36.0, p < 0.001). Similar findings were obtained for vaccine-preventable HPVs. Being married to a woman significantly increased the odds of having HR-HPV infections (aOR: 8.1, 95% CI: 1.6-52.0, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

GbMSM living with HIV in Kenya are at higher risk of anal HPV infections including genotypes that are preventable with available vaccines. Our findings support the need for a targeted HPV vaccination campaign in this population.

Distribution of HPV genotypes among women with abnormal cytology results in Alberta, Canada

BACKGROUND

Persistent infection with a subset of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes can cause abnormal cytology and invasive cervical cancer. This study examines the circulating HPV genotype strains in a local population of the province of Alberta (a largely unvaccinated population) to establish baseline frequency of vaccine and non-vaccine genotypes causing abnormal cervical cytology.

METHOD

Remnant liquid-based cytology specimens from the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program (March 2014-January 2016) were examined. Only specimens from women who had a cytology grading of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or higher were included. HPV genotype was determined for all samples, and results were stratified by demographics and cytology results.

RESULTS

Forty-four unique HPV genotypes were identified from 4,794 samples. Of the 4,241 samples with a genotype identified, the most common genotypes were HPV 16, 18, 31, and 51, with 1,599 (37.7%), 441 (12.2%), 329 (7.8%), and 354 (8.4%), respectively. HPV9 vaccine genotypes made up 73.2% of these genotyped samples. Compared with specimens in which HPV9 vaccine genotypes were not detected, those with a genotype covered by the HPV9 vaccine were from younger women (33 [interquartile range {IQR] 28 to 42] y versus 40 [IQR 32 to 51] y; p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The baseline distribution of HPV genotypes in this largely unvaccinated population indicates that the HPV9 vaccine provides good protection from high-risk HPV infections. Determining the frequency of genotypes causing abnormal cytology in this population post-vaccine implementation will be important to assess efficacy of vaccination and monitor for any potential genotype replacement.

HPV genotyping and risk factors for anal high-risk HPV infection in men who have sex with men from Toronto, Canada

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by anal cancer, predominantly caused by high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Currently, the nonavalent HPV vaccine provides coverage against nine HPV genotypes, including seven HR-HPV genotypes. Here, we characterize anal HR-HPV genotype distribution and associated risk factors in MSM from Toronto, Canada recruited between September 2010 and June 2012. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used for continuous variables, Chi-square test was performed for categorical variables, and a multivariable model using logistic regression was created to assess for correlates of anal HR-HPV infection. A total of 442 MSM were recruited, with a median age of 45 (IQR 38-50) and an overall HPV prevalence of 82%. The prevalence of any HR-HPV infection was 65.3% and 50.7% in the HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM, respectively. No participant tested positive for all genotypes covered by the nonavalent vaccine. HIV status (aOR 1.806; 95% CI 1.159-2.816), smoking (aOR 2.176; 95% CI 1.285-3.685) and the number of lifetime sexual partners (aOR 2.466; 95% CI 1.092-5.567) were independent risk factors for anal HR-HPV infection. Our findings will be useful to inform HPV vaccine rollout and HPV prevention strategies in Canadian MSM.

Self-Collected Specimens Revealed a Higher Vaccine- and Non-Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus Prevalences in a Cross-Sectional Study in Akuse

Background

Population-specific epidemiologic data on human Papillomavirus infection, which are limited in most of the SubSaharan African countries, are necessary for effective cervical cancer prevention. This study aimed to generate population-specific data on human Papillomavirus infections, and determine which of these, self-collected and provider-collected specimens, gives a higher estimate of the prevalence of human Papillomaviruses, including vaccine and non-vaccine-type human Papillomavirus.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, following a questionnaire-based collection of epidemiological data, self-, and provider-collected specimens, obtained from women 15−65 years of age, were analysed for human Papillomavirus types by a nested-multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and for cervical lesions by Pap testing. HPV data were categorised according to risk type and vaccine types for further analysis.

Results

The difference between the overall human Papillomavirus infection prevalences obtained with the self-collected specimens, 43.1% (95% CI of 38.0–51.0%) and that with the provider-collected samples, 23.3% (95% CI of 19.0–31.0%) were significant (p ≤ 0.001). The prevalence of quadrivalent vaccine-type human Papillomaviruses was 12.3% with self-collected specimens, but 6.0% with provider-collected specimens. For the nonavalent vaccine-types, the prevalences were 26.6% and 16.7% respectively. There were multiple infections involving both vaccine-preventable and nonvaccine preventable high-risk human Papillomavirus genotypes.

Conclusion

The Akuse subdistrict can, therefore, be said to have a high burden of human Papillomavirus infections, which included nonvaccine types, as detected with both self-collected and provider-collected specimens. These imply that self-collection is to be given a higher consideration as a means for a population-based high-risk human Papillomavirus infections burdens assessment/screening. Additionally, even with a successful implementation of the HPV vaccination, if introduced in Ghana, there is still the need to continue with the screening of women.

Anal dysplasia and HIV shedding in ART-treated men

OBJECTIVES

Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is highly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). HPV-associated anal dysplasia has been linked with anal HIV RNA shedding despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Since mucosal HIV levels are a key determinant of sexual transmission of the virus, this would have important public health implications. Therefore, we assessed the association between anal dysplasia and HIV shedding in ART-treated MSM from Toronto, Canada.

METHODS

In 54 HIV-infected men on effective ART, we assessed anal HIV RNA shedding by PCR, HPV infection by microsphere-based genotyping and anal dysplasia by high-resolution anoscopy. All participants were enrolled between May 2017 and October 2018.

RESULTS

The median duration of ART at the time of study enrolment was 18 years, with most participants being on an integrase inhibitor-based ART regimen. Low-level anal HIV RNA shedding was present in 15/54 (27.8%) participants. Neither the detection of shedding nor the level of HIV RNA was associated with anal dysplasia, HPV infection or antiretroviral regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV-associated anal dysplasia was not associated with anal HIV RNA shedding in this relatively small cohort of men on effective ART. While anal HIV RNA was detected more often than anticipated, shedding was low level and unlikely to cause HIV transmission. However, the immunological drivers of anal HIV RNA shedding in ART-treated individuals may merit further study.

Human papilloma virus genotypes in dysplasia and epithelial hyperplasia of oral cavity using the luminex xmap technology. A multicenter study

Background

Oral cancer associated with high risk (HPV-HR) human papilloma virus (HPV) has been increasing. HPV-HR has been associated with epithelial dysplasia, however, little information exists on its frequency in epithelial hyperplasia lesions. The aim of this study is to compare HPV genotypes in dysplastic and hyperplastic lesions of oral cavity.

Material and Methods

Two hundred and fifty oral lesions: 131 dysplasia and 119 hyperplasia from two regions of Colombia were evaluated. One hundred seventy-four coming from urban area and 104 from a high risk population to oral cancer from a rural area. HPV was identified by qPCR and Twenty-four HPVs genotypes were evaluated by Luminex® technology. Logistic regressions were performed to establish the associations between HPV infections with oral dysplasia.

Results

Twenty-eight percent (70/250) of the samples were positives for any HPV and HPV-HRs were more frequently than low risk HPVs. HPV-16 was the most detected genotype (16%) followed by HPV-31, 53, 18 and 45. HPV, HPV-HRs and HPV-16 were only associated with dysplasia in urban area; OR 3.28 (CI 95% 1.49-7.17), OR 7.94 (CI 95% 2.97-21.2) and OR 5.90 (CI 95% 2.05-17). Individuals in rural area showed more HPV and HPV-HRs infection in hyperplasic lesions than urban population. The majority of HPV+ lesions had multi-type of HPV (52/70) and the urban individuals showed more genotypes than rural population.

Conclusions

HPV-.HRs are frequently found in hyperplastic and dysplastic epithelial lesions. HPV-HRs and HPV-16 were associated with dysplasia in urban population. Rural high risk population and urban population differ in the frequency and variety of HPV genotypes.

Key words:Human papilloma virus, epithelial dysplasia, epithelial hyperplasia, HPV-genotypes.

Isolation of Biopsy-Derived, Human Cervical Keratinocytes Propagated as Monolayer and Organoid Cultures

The successful isolation and propagation of patient-derived keratinocytes from cervical lesions constitute a more appropriate model of cervical disease than traditional cervical cancer-derived cell lines such as SiHa and CaSki. Our aim was to streamline the growth of patient-obtained, cervical keratinocytes into a reproducible process. We performed an observational case series study with 60 women referred to colposcopy for a diagnostic biopsy. Main outcome measures were how many samples could be passaged at least once (n = 11), and where enough cells could be established, to precisely define their proliferation profile over time (n = 3). Altering cell culture conditions over those reported by other groups markedly improved outcomes. We were also successful in making freeze backs which could be resuscitated to successfully propagate multi-layered, organoids from cervical keratinocytes (n = 3). For best results, biopsy-intrinsic factors such as size and tissue digestion appear to be major variables. This seems to be the first systematic report with a well characterized and defined sample size, detailed protocol, and carefully assessed cell yield and performance. This research is particularly impactful for constituting a sample repository-on-demand for appropriate disease modelling and drug screening under the umbrella of personalized health.

HPV E6 oncoproteins and nucleic acids in neck lymph node fine needle aspirates and oral samples from patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Commercial assays measuring HPV E6 viral oncoproteins, E6/E7 mRNA or DNA were used to test neck lymph node fine needle aspirates (FNA) and oropharyngeal samples (saliva and oral swabs) from 59 Canadian patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). Overall agreements of p16 antigen staining of tumors to FNA tested for OncoE6™, Aptima HPV E6/E7 mRNA and cobas HPV DNA were 81.4% (k 0.53), 94.9% (k 0.83) and 91.1% (k 0.73) respectively. Using HPV presence in a subset of 25 tumors as the comparator, overall agreement was 64.0% (k 0.08) with OncoE6™, 88.0% (k 0.65) with Aptima HPV E6/E7 mRNA and 91.7% (k 0.70) with cobas HPV DNA. HPV testing of oropharyngeal samples yielded lower agreements with tumor markers; 23.7-24.0% (k 0.02), 55.9-68.0% (k 0.24-0.37) and 78.9-86.9% (k 0.49-0.58) in the 3 respective tests. HPV 16 was present in 93.7-100% of the samples tested and showed 100% genotype agreement between FNA and tumors. The high rates for HPV E6 oncoproteins and E6/E7 mRNA suggests most patients were experiencing transcriptionally active HPV-related OPSCC. Results from these commercial assays performed on FNA but not oropharyngeal samples showed moderate to very good agreements with p16 and HPV testing of tumors.

Differences in age-specific HPV prevalence between self-collected and health personnel collected specimen in a cross-sectional study in Ghana

BACKGROUND

HPV infections are ubiquitous and particularly common among sexually active young women. However, there are regional and national variations in age-specific HPV prevalence, which have implications for cervical cancer control. Data on age-specific HPV prevalences for Ghana and most sub-Saharan countries are scanty. Therefore, this study primarily sought to determine the age-specific HPV prevalence among women in a Ghanaian community and to determine whether these prevalences determined with health-personnel and self-collected specimens were comparable.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, conducted between March 2012 and March 2013, cervical specimens were collected by self- and health-personnel collection from 251 women who were between the ages of 15 and 65 years. HPV present in these specimens were genotyped by a nested-multiplex PCR and Luminex fluoro-microspheres based method. Information on the demographic, sexual and reproductive characteristics of the women were also obtained. A Chi-square test of association was employed to determine the association of the distribution of age groups with each categorised sexual and reproductive characteristic and HPV risk type's status.

RESULTS

The age group distribution of the participants was significantly associated with overall (χ2 = 36.1; p = 0.001), high risk (χ2 = 26.09; p = 0.002) and low risk (χ2 = 21.49; p = 0.011) HPV prevalences. The age-specific HPV prevalence pattern for each of the HPV risk types, determined with self-collected specimen, showed three peaks (at 20-24 years; 40-44 years and ≥ 55 years), while those determined with health-personnel collected specimen, showed two peaks (at 20-24 years and ≥ 55 years) for each HPV risk type's prevalence pattern. The high risk HPV prevalences determined with self-collected specimen were often higher than those determined with health-personnel specimen for the age groups between 25 and 45 years, who are mostly targeted for screening by HPV testing. Additionally, there were interesting variations in patterns of age-specific HPV genotype-specific prevalence between the two specimen collection methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The usefulness of self-collected specimen for high risk HPV burden determination and the existence of a two peaked and three peaked age-specific HPV prevalences in Ghana have been clearly indicated.

Molecular approaches for HPV genotyping and HPV-DNA physical status

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes is the leading cause of cervical cancer development. To this end several studies have focused on designing molecular assays for HPV genotyping, which are considered as the gold standard for the early diagnosis of HPV infection. Moreover, the tendency of HPV DNA to be integrated into the host chromosome is a determining event for cervical oncogenesis. Thus, the establishment of molecular techniques was promoted in order to investigate the physical status of the HPV DNA and the locus of viral insertion into the host chromosome. The molecular approaches that have been developed recently facilitate the collection of a wide spectrum of valuable information specific to each individual patient and therefore can significantly contribute to the establishment of a personalised prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of HPV-positive patients. The present review focuses on state of the art molecular assays for HPV detection and genotyping for intra-lesion analyses, it examines molecular approaches for the determination of HPV-DNA physical status and it discusses the criteria for selecting the most appropriate regions of viral DNA to be incorporated in HPV genotyping and in the determination of HPV-DNA physical status.

xMAP Technology: Applications in Detection of Pathogens

xMAP technology is applicable for high-throughput, multiplex and simultaneous detection of different analytes within a single complex sample. xMAP multiplex assays are currently available in various nucleic acid and immunoassay formats, enabling simultaneous detection and typing of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi and also antigen or antibody interception. As an open architecture platform, the xMAP technology is beneficial to end users and therefore it is used in various pharmaceutical, clinical and research laboratories. The main aim of this review is to summarize the latest findings and applications in the field of pathogen detection using microsphere-based multiplex assays.

Digitally encoded silica microparticles for multiplexed nucleic acid detection

By integrating a digitally encoded suspension array with a novel multiplex nested asymmetric PCR, an efficient strategy was developed for HPV genotyping.

Development, Characterisation and Application of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Detection and Quantification of Infectious Salmon Anaemia Virus in Plasma Samples Using Luminex Bead Array Technology

Infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) is an orthomyxovirus that has had a significant economic impact on Atlantic salmon farming in Europe, North America and Chile. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were developed against Segment 3 (encoding the viral nucleoprotein, NP) of the virus. Six of the mAbs were shown to be specific to ISAV and recognised all isolates from Scotland, Norway and Canada. They reacted with ISAV in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) and western blotting. They were also used to develop a novel detection method based on Luminex (Bio-Plex) bead-based flow cytometric technology for the detection of ISAV in the plasma of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts experimentally infected with ISAV. Fish were challenged by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of virus at 50% Tissue Culture Infective Dose (TCID50) = 2.8 x106 per animal. Virus present in plasma of infected fish, collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 21 and 28 days post infection using a non-lethal sampling method (n = 12 at each time point), was quantified using the optimised Bio-Plex assay. The results obtained with this assay were compared with absolute quantification of the virus by RT-qPCR using SYBR Green I and TaqMan chemistries. The Bio-Plex assay developed using the NP mAbs appears to be a rapid, sensitive method for detecting and quantifying ISAV in small volumes of fish plasma and has the potential to be multiplexed for the detection of other fish pathogens (e.g. during co-infections). To our knowledge this is the first report of the use of Luminex (Bio-Plex) technology for the detection of a fish pathogen.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Viral and Bacterial Infections in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex with Men in Toronto

Background

Hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been associated with HIV transmission risk and disease progression among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), but the frequency and distribution of STIs in this community in Canada has not been extensively studied.

Methods

We recruited MSM living with and without HIV from a large primary care clinic in Toronto. Participants completed a detailed socio-behavioural questionnaire using ACASI and provided blood for syphilis, HIV, HBV and HCV, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and human cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology, urine for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a self-collected anal swab for human papillomavirus (HPV) molecular diagnostics. Prevalences were expressed as a proportion and compared using chi-square.

Results

442 MSM were recruited, 294 living with HIV and 148 without. Active syphilis (11.0% vs. 3.4%), ever HBV (49.4% vs. 19.1%), HCV (10.4% vs. 3.4%), HSV-2 (55.9% vs. 38.2%), CMV (98.3% vs. 80.3%) and high-risk (HR) anal HPV (67.6% vs. 51.7%) infections were significantly more common in men living with HIV. Chlamydia and gonorrhea were infrequent in both groups. Regardless of HIV infection status, age and number of lifetime male sexual partners were associated with HBV infection and lifetime injection drug use with HCV infection.

Conclusions

Syphilis and viral infections, including HBV, HCV, HSV-2, CMV, and HR-HPV, were common in this clinic-based population of MSM in Toronto and more frequent among MSM living with HIV. This argues for the implementation of routine screening, vaccine-based prevention, and education programs in this high-risk population.

Sensitivity of APTIMA HPV E6/E7 mRNA test in comparison with hybrid capture 2 HPV DNA test for detection of high risk oncogenic human papillomavirus in 396 biopsy confirmed cervical cancers

The sensitivity of E6/E7 mRNA-based Aptima HPV test (AHPV; Hologic, Inc.) for detection of cervical cancer has been reported based on only a small number of cases. We determined the sensitivity of AHPV in comparison with the DNA-based Hybrid Capture 2 HPV test (HC2; Qiagen) for the detection of oncogenic HPV in a large number of cervical cancers at the time of diagnosis using cervical samples obtained in ThinPrep (Hologic). Samples yielding discordant results were genotyped using Linear Array assay (LA; Roche). Of 396 cases tested, AHPV detected 377 (sensitivity, 95.2%; 95%CI: 93.1-97.3), and HC2 376 (sensitivity, 94.9%; 95%CI: 92.7-97.1) with an agreement of 97.2% (kappa 0.7; 95%CI: 0.54-0.87). Among six AHPV+/HC2- cases, LA identified oncogenic HPV types in four including a type 73 and was negative in two. Among five AHPV-/HC2+ cases, LA detected oncogenic HPV types in two including a type 73 and was negative in three. Of 14 AHPV-/HC2- cases, 13 were genotyped. LA detected oncogenic HPV types in six, non-oncogenic types in three, and was negative in four. This is the largest study to demonstrate the sensitivity of AHPV for the detection of invasive cervical cancer and this assay showed equal sensitivity to HC2.

Randomized Intervention of Self-Collected Sampling for Human Papillomavirus Testing in Under-Screened Rural Women: Uptake of Screening and Acceptability

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to determine if cervical cancer screening uptake would increase among under-screened women living in rural Ontario, Canada, if at-home self-collected sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing was offered as a primary cervical cancer screening modality, compared to invited papanicolaou (Pap) testing or routine opportunistic screening.

METHODS

Women 30-70 years of age who were overdue for cervical cancer screening were randomized to receive (1) an at-home self-collected HPV kit, (2) a reminder invitation for Pap testing, or (3) standard of care opportunistic screening. The first two arms were also asked demographic and screening history questions. Women randomized to arm 1 were asked about acceptability.

RESULTS

In total, 818 eligible women were identified in a small rural community in Southwestern Ontario: 335 received a self-collected HPV testing kit, 331 received a reminder letter, and 152 received standard of care. In the HPV self-collection arm, 21% (70/335) returned the sample and questionnaire and 11% (37/335) opted to undergo Pap testing. In total, 32% from the HPV self-collection arm, 15% (51/331) from the Pap invitation arm, and 8.5% (13/152) with standard of care were screened. Women receiving the self-collected HPV kit were 3.7 (95% confidence interval 2.2-6.4) times more likely to undergo screening compared to the standard of care arm. In the HPV self-sampling arm, 80% (56/70) said they would be very likely to choose self-collected sampling in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing self-collected sampling for HPV testing was more effective than sending reminder letters to increase screening coverage in under-screened women.

Type-specific human papillomavirus infections and Pap test findings in Inuit and non-Inuit women in Nunavut, Canada

Objective

To determine the prevalence and distribution of type-specific human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and their association with cytological outcomes in women living in the Canadian territory of Nunavut.

Methods

Surveillance of type-specific HPV infection was conducted. Cervical specimens of all Inuit, First Nations and non-Aboriginal women in Nunavut who presented for a Pap test in any clinical setting between January 2008 and March 2009 were tested for HPV infection. The association between high-grade cervical lesions and HPV type was also examined.

Results

HPV results were available for 4,043 individual women (13 to 77 years). Of those with known ethnicity (N=4,033), 89.2% were Inuit, 0.4% were First Nations and 10.4% were non-Aboriginal. First Nations women were included in all analyses except those making comparisons by ethnicity, due to the small number of individuals in this group. Overall, 29.9% of women were found to be infected with HPV (any type) and 19.9% with any high-risk HPV (type 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 or 59). Most often, women were infected with HPV 16 (6.4%) followed by HPV 31 (3.1%). There were no statistically significant differences between Inuit and non-Aboriginal (reference group) women 20 years of age and older regarding the prevalence of any HPV (odds ratios (OR): 1.19, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.92-1.54), high-risk HPV (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.78-1.44) or HPV 16 and 18 (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.51-1.27). HPV 31 was the only type that was significantly more frequent among Inuit than non-Aboriginal women (OR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.24-12.54). There was no difference in the overall occurrence of cervical abnormalities between non-Aboriginal and Inuit women (p-value = 0.17). HPV 16 was strongly associated with cervical dysplasia, being present in 50.9% of specimens with a high-grade lesion.

Conclusion

HPV is a significant public health issue in the territory of Nunavut. The findings presented in this article are similar to those in other studies among Inuit women, with prevalence of HPV being higher than in studies conducted among non-Inuit women in other regions of Canada. These results provide a baseline of HPV prevalence that precedes the introduction of the Nunavut HPV Immunization Program in 2010 and will allow for future evaluation. The high prevalence of HPV infection among women living in Nunavut can be reduced through immunization and associated high-grade cervical abnormalities mitigated by regular cervical screening.

Evaluation of the HPV typing INNO-LiPA EXTRA assay on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cervical biopsy samples

BACKGROUND

The HPV genotyping line probe assay INNO-LiPA EXTRA allows the detection of a wider spectrum of viral types compared to the earlier V2 version of the assay. Its performance in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To test the EXTRA assay in HPV genotyping of paired cervical scrapings and corresponding FFPE biopsy specimens.

STUDY DESIGN

Paired samples from 188 women with abnormal cytology were examined using the INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping assay, version EXTRA. The assay can simultaneously detect 18 high-risk, 7 low-risk, and 2 unclassified HPV types. Kappa statistics were used to measure interrater agreement between groups.

RESULTS

The evaluation of paired cervical scraping and biopsy samples gave a 100% overall agreement for HPV status and of 72.9% (kappa 0.6554) for the number of infecting HPVs. 392 out of 507 individual HPV types were concordant, corresponding to a positive agreement rate of 87.2% (95% CI 84.1-90.3). As to the individual genotypes, the agreement was absolute for HPV 45, 68, 73 (kappa 1), excellent for HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 35, 39, 44, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 69/71 and 82 (kappa 0.7796-0.9714), good for HPV26, 33, 43, 58, 66 and 74 (kappa 0.6768-0.7449), and poor for HPV 59 and 40. These agreement values were comparable to those obtained with the V2 assay.

CONCLUSIONS

The EXTRA assay provided excellent performance in HPV typing on FFPE samples comparable to the earlier version of the test despite higher complexity and increased coverage of types.

Comparison of the digene HPV genotyping LQ test and the PANArray HPV genotyping chip for detection of high-risk or probable high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the performance of two different array-based techniques, a bead-based multiplex genotyping method (LQ; digene HPV Genotyping LQ Test, QIAGEN, Germany) and a DNA chip-based method using peptide nucleic acid probes (PANArray; PANArray HPV Genotyping Chip, Panagene, Korea), for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) and genotyping of high-risk (HR) or probable high-risk (PHR) HPVs in healthy patients who visited a health-promotion center.

METHODS

We obtained 508 unselected, consecutive cervicovaginal swab specimens. All specimens were examined by using the PANArray and LQ tests. All HPV-positive samples were then analyzed by multiplex PCR and direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The LQ test detected 47 HPV-positive cases (9.3%) with HR or PHR genotypes and the PANArray test identified 36 cases (7.1%). When the results of LQ and PANArray were compared by using comprehensive genotyping (integrated interpretation of the results of LQ, PANArray, multiplex PCR, and direct sequencing) for the detection of HR or PHR genotypes, the kappa values were 0.44 and 0.30 for LQ and PANArray, respectively. In comparison to comprehensive genotyping, the LQ test yielded 53 (60.0%) concordant and 12 (13.5%) compatible results, and the PANArray yielded 36 (40.4%) concordant and three (3.4%) compatible results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the LQ test had higher concordance and/or greater compatibility with those of comprehensive genotyping for the detection of HR or PHR genotypes than those of the PANArray test.

Using community engagement to inform and implement a community-randomized controlled trial in the anishinaabek cervical cancer screening study

Social, political, and economic factors are directly and indirectly associated with the quality and distribution of health resources across Canada. First Nations (FN) women in particular, endure a disproportionate burden of ill health in contrast to the mainstream population. The complex relationship of health, social, and historical determinants are inherent to increased cervical cancer in FN women. This can be traced back to the colonial oppression suffered by Canadian FN and the social inequalities they have since faced. Screening - the Papinacolaou (Pap) test - and early immunization have rendered cervical cancer almost entirely preventable but despite these options, FN women endure notably higher rates of diagnosis and mortality due to cervical cancer. The Anishinaabek Cervical Cancer Screening Study (ACCSS) is a participatory action research project investigating the factors underlying the cervical cancer burden in FN women. ACCSS is a collaboration with 11 FN communities in Northwest Ontario, Canada, and a multidisciplinary research team from across Canada with expertise in cancer biology, epidemiology, medical anthropology, public health, virology, women's health, and pathology. Interviews with healthcare providers and community members revealed that prior to any formal data collection education must be offered. Consequently, an educational component was integrated into the existing quantitative design of the study: a two-armed, community-randomized trial that compares the uptake of two different cervical screening modalities. In ACCSS, the Research Team integrates community engagement and the flexible nature of participatory research with the scientific rigor of a randomized controlled trial. ACCSS findings will inform culturally appropriate screening strategies, aiming to reduce the disproportionate burden of cervical disease in concert with priorities of the partner FN communities.

Opportunities for bead-based multiplex assays in veterinary diagnostic laboratories

Bead-based multiplex assays (BBMAs) are applicable for high throughput, simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in solution (from several to 50–500 analytes within a single, small sample volume). Currently, few assays are commercially available for veterinary applications, but they are available to identify and measure various cytokines, growth factors and their receptors, inflammatory proteins, kinases and inhibitors, neurobiology proteins, and pathogens and antibodies in human beings, nonhuman primates, and rodent species. In veterinary medicine, various nucleic acid and protein-coupled beads can be used in, or for the development of, antigen and antibody BBMAs, with the advantage that more data can be collected using approximately the same amount of labor as used for other antigen and antibody assays. Veterinary-related BBMAs could be used for detection of pathogens, genotyping, measurement of hormone levels, and in disease surveillance and vaccine assessment. It will be important to evaluate whether BBMAs are “fit for purpose,” how costs and efficiencies compare between assays, which assays are published or commercially available for specific veterinary applications, and what procedures are involved in the development of the assays. It is expected that many veterinary-related BBMAs will be published and/or become commercially available in the next few years. The current review summarizes the BBMA technology and some of the currently available BBMAs developed for veterinary settings. Some of the human diagnostic BBMAs are also described, providing an example of possible templates for future development of new veterinary-related BBMAs.

Multiplex microsphere immunoassays for the detection of IgM and IgG to arboviral diseases

Serodiagnosis of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) at the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, CDC, employs a combination of individual enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and microsphere immunoassays (MIAs) to test for IgM and IgG, followed by confirmatory plaque-reduction neutralization tests. Based upon the geographic origin of a sample, it may be tested concurrently for multiple arboviruses, which can be a cumbersome task. The advent of multiplexing represents an opportunity to streamline these types of assays; however, because serologic cross-reactivity of the arboviral antigens often confounds results, it is of interest to employ data analysis methods that address this issue. Here, we constructed 13-virus multiplexed IgM and IgG MIAs that included internal and external controls, based upon the Luminex platform. Results from samples tested using these methods were analyzed using 8 different statistical schemes to identify the best way to classify the data. Geographic batteries were also devised to serve as a more practical diagnostic format, and further samples were tested using the abbreviated multiplexes. Comparative error rates for the classification schemes identified a specific boosting method based on logistic regression “Logitboost” as the classification method of choice. When the data from all samples tested were combined into one set, error rates from the multiplex IgM and IgG MIAs were <5% for all geographic batteries. This work represents both the most comprehensive, validated multiplexing method for arboviruses to date, and also the most systematic attempt to determine the most useful classification method for use with these types of serologic tests.

The prevalence of human papillomavirus and its impact on cervical dysplasia in Northern Canada

Introduction

Certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are sexually transmitted and highly associated with development of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer but the distribution of HPV infection in the North, particularly amongst First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, is little known. The purposes of the study are to identify the prevalence of type-specific HPV infections and the association of different HPV types with cervical dysplasia among women in Northern Canada.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with attendants of the routine or scheduled Pap testing program in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Nunavut, Labrador and Yukon, Canada. Approximately half of each sample was used for Pap test and the remaining was used for HPV genotyping using a Luminex-based method. Pap test results, HPV types, and demographic information were linked for analyses.

Results

Results from 14,598 specimens showed that HPV infection was approximately 50% higher among the Aboriginal than the non-Aboriginal population (27.6% vs. 18.5%). Although the most common HPV type detected was HPV 16 across region, the prevalence of other high risk HPV types was different. The age-specific HPV prevalence among Aboriginal showed a ‘U’ shape which contrasted to non-Aboriginal. The association of HPV infection with cervical dysplasia was similar in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations.

Conclusions

The HPV prevalence was higher in Northern Canada than in other Areas in Canada. The prevalence showed a higher rate of other high risk HPV infections but no difference of HPV 16/18 infections among Aboriginal in comparison with non-Aboriginal women. This study provides baseline information on HPV prevalence that may assist in surveillance and evaluation systems to track and assess HPV vaccine programs.

Type-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus in women screened for cervical cancer in Labrador, Canada

Background

A higher incidence of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been reported in northern Canada and in First Nation, Métis and Inuit women, with some evidence to suggest that the HPV type distribution in these populations may be different from the rest of Canada.

Objective

The objective of this study was to measure the HPV type prevalence in Labrador women to determine if significant differences in HPV types could reduce the effectiveness of HPV vaccination.

Design

The prevalence of HPV types was determined in 1,370 women presenting for routine pap screening in Labrador between February and November 2010. Cervical cytology and HPV genotyping were performed on the same liquid-based cytology specimens.

Results

The overall prevalence of HPV was 21.4%; cytological abnormalities were found in 8.8% of the participants. HPV 16 and 18 were the most common high-risk HPV types. These two types were found in 52.4% of high-grade lesions. The prevalence in HPV infections was comparable across the Labrador regions.

Conclusions

The present results support the potential effectiveness of the HPV immunization program in Labrador.

Comparison of HPV sign genotyping test with INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping extra assay on histologic and cytologic cervical specimens

An accurate tool for viral typing is important for management of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and to monitor HPV vaccine efficacy. This study evaluated the performance of the HPV sign® Genotyping Test by analyzing 87 archival cervical specimens and compared results with historical data by INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra assay. There was a substantial concordance for HPV detection in clinical samples (k 0.66), with an overall agreement rate of 85.1%. The genotyping overall agreement, considering one by one the HPV infection detected, was 95.7%. The HPV sign test showed, however, lower sensitivity than INNO-LiPA for HPV 31, 53, and 66. On the other hand, The HPV16 sensitivity was higher for HPV sign (90.0%, confidence interval [CI] 0.79-1.01) than for INNO-LiPA (83.3%, CI 0.70-0.97). Furthermore, HPV sign allowed identifying the presence of HPV16 intratype variants. In conclusion, HPV sign is a promising method for HPV genotyping and has revealed advantages in detecting a broad spectrum of HPV types and variants.

Factors associated with human papillomavirus infection among women in the Northwest Territories

BACKGROUND

In some regions, Aboriginal women have higher rates of cervical cancer compared to other Canadian women. However, little data are available regarding the co-factors of HPV infection in the Aboriginal population of Canada. We examined factors associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in a population of women (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional design using a convenience sample of all women aged 14 years or older presenting for Papanicolaou (Pap) testing across all regions of the NWT from March 2009 to March 2010. Women answered a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, and gynaecological and obstetrical events. We used multiple regression analysis to explore factors associated with HR-HPV infection according to age and cultural background. HPV typing was done using the Luminex assay.

RESULTS

Of the total 1,279 participants, 178 had missing HPV results. We obtained data on 1,101 women and overall HR-HPV prevalence was 14.2%. Younger age, single marital status, Aboriginal background, current smoking, lifetime deliveries, use of hormonal contraceptives, and the numbers of sexual partners in the last year were associated with prevalent HR-HPV.

DISCUSSION

Our findings tend to indicate that Aboriginal women have different predictors of HR-HPV than non-Aboriginal women that may affect HPV progression to cervical cancer. These findings can help to better target public health practices for the women at higher risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer.