Human Papillomavirus Types Distribution in Organised Cervical Cancer Screening in France

Abstract

BackgroundKnowledge of prevalence rates and distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes prior high HPV vaccine coverage is necessary to assess its expected impact on HPV ecology and on cervical lesions and cancers.MethodsResidual specimens of cervical cytology (N = 6,538) were obtained from 16 sites participating in organised cervical cancer screening pilot programs throughout France, anonymised and tested for HPV DNA using the PapilloCheck® genotyping test. Samples were stratified according to age of women and cytological grades.ResultsThe age-standardised prevalence rates of HPV 16 and/or 18 (with or without other high-risk types) was 47.2% (95% Confidence Interval, CI: 42.4–52.1) in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), 20.2% in low-grade SIL (95% CI: 16.7–23.7) and 3.9% (95% CI: 2.8–5.1) in normal cytology. Overall HR HPV were detected in 13.7% (95%I CI: 11.7–15.6) of normal cytology. In women below 30 years of age, 64% of HSILs were associated with HPV16 and/or 18. In our study population, HPV16 was the most commonly detected type in all cervical grades with prevalence rates ranking from 3.0% in normal cytology to 50.9% in HSILs. HPV16 was also detected in 54% (27/50) of invasive cervical cancers including 5 adenocarcinomas.ConclusionHPV16 was strongly associated with cervical precancer and cancer. The high prevalence rates of HPV16/18 infection among women below 30 years of age with HSILs suggests that the impact of vaccination would be primarily observed among young women.

Shift in prevalence of HPV types in cervical cytology specimens in the era of HPV vaccination

“…Thus, 64.02% of participants aged <30 years presented MT HPV, compared with 51.61% of participants aged >29 years old. Similar age-stratified proportions of ST and MT infections have been previously described in other countries (38,40,41). This may be explained by differences in the immune system, and individuals may be capable of eradicating, at least in part, HPV infections over time.…”

Causative relations between human papilloma virus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

“…[1] Human papilloma virus (HPV) is recognized as a main etiological agent causing CIN. [2] The major factor in cervical carcinogenesis is HPV infection, with HPV persistence for a certain period of time, progression to precancer and invasion. [2] To date, more than 150 HPV genotypes have been characterized, and about 40 of them infect the genital tract.…”

“…[2] The major factor in cervical carcinogenesis is HPV infection, with HPV persistence for a certain period of time, progression to precancer and invasion. [2] To date, more than 150 HPV genotypes have been characterized, and about 40 of them infect the genital tract. [2] HPV types are commonly classified as low-risk or high-risk types according to their role in the development of cervical cancer.…”

“…[2] To date, more than 150 HPV genotypes have been characterized, and about 40 of them infect the genital tract. [2] HPV types are commonly classified as low-risk or high-risk types according to their role in the development of cervical cancer.…”

Type-Specific Human Papillomavirus Testing for the Follow-up of Women with a Typical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS) Pap Smears

“…In our study, we observed the distribution of 18 [30]. The large American ALTS study showed contrasting results with an HPV genotype prevalence of 14% for HPV 16, followed by HPV 52 (8%), HPV 51 (7%), HPV 18 (6%), HPV 31 (6%), HPV 59 (5%), HPV 56 (5%), HPV 58 (5%), HPV 53 (5%), and HPV 39 (5%).…”