Epidemiologic risk profile of infection with different groups of human papillomaviruses

✍ Scribed by Paul K.S. Chan; Wendy C.S. Ho; Martin C.S. Wong; Alexander R. Chang; Josette S.Y. Chor; Mei-Yung Yu

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 212 KB
• Volume: 81
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0146-6615
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21575

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

This study identified the age‐specific prevalence and epidemiologic risk profile for infection with different groups and species of human papillomaviruses (HPV). Structured interview and HPV testing were conducted for 2,604 Chinese women self‐referred for cervical screening. Independent risk factors for infection were identified by multiple logistic regressions. Overall, a major peak of HPV infection was observed at women aged 26–30 years, and a minor peak at 46–55 years. This pattern was observed for high‐risk, low‐risk, and alpha‐5/7/9 HPVs; but alpha‐3/6 HPVs showed peaks of similar magnitudes in young and older women. Independent risk factors for HPV infection (all types combined) included younger age (OR [95% CI] for >55 vs. ≤30 years = 0.22 [0.09–0.55]; 31‐45 vs. ≤ 30 years = 0.57 [0.33–0.99]), having ≥4 lifetime sexual partners (2.28 [1.06–4.88]), and smoking (2.24 [1.22–4.10]). Young age and smoking were the most consistent independent risk factors observed across different HPV groups. The risk profile for high‐risk HPV was similar to alpha‐5/7/9. Single‐type infection was associated with having more sexual partners, higher education level and oral contraception; whereas multiple‐type infection was associated with smoking. In conclusion, a U‐shaped age‐specific prevalence curve was observed for HPV infection overall, but with a different pattern for different HPV species. Different HPV groups showed variations in their risk profiles. These data are useful for formulating preventative strategy for HPV‐related diseases. Catch‐up vaccination program in Hong Kong should cover a wider age group as the first peak of infection occurred relatively late. J. Med. Virol. 81:1635–1644, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.