Background: We studied the prevalence of 7, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types in the nonavalent vaccine (HRVT-7: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) among vaccine-naïve, sexually active Asian female adolescents with and without perinatally acquired HIV infection (PHIV).
Methods: PHIV female adolescents 12-24 years of age and HIV-uninfected controls matched by age and number of lifetime sex partners were enrolled in a 3-year observational cohort study in Thailand and Vietnam. Samples from the oral cavity, anus, cervix and vagina were collected for HRVT-7 HPV genotyping, and serum collected for HPV 16 and 18 antibody testing. Baseline data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.
Results: We included 93 PHIV (median CD4 593 cells/mm, 62% with HIV RNA suppression) and 99 HIV-uninfected adolescents (median lifetime sex partners 2). The overall prevalence of HRVT-7 infection was 53% in PHIV and 49% in HIV-uninfected adolescents (P = 0.66). Cervical HRVT-7 DNA was detected more frequently in PHIV than HIV-uninfected adolescents (37% vs. 23%, P = 0.04). Overall, more lifetime partners [≥3 vs. 1; odds ratio (OR) 2.99 (1.38-6.51), P = 0.02] and having other sexually transmitted infections [OR 3.30 (1.51-7.21), P = 0.003] increased the risk of HRVT-7 infection and/or positive HPV 16/18 antibodies; while detectable HIV RNA [OR 2.78 (1.05-7.36), P = 0.04] increased the risk among PHIV adolescents.
Conclusions: Half of sexually active Asian female adolescents, regardless of HIV infection, had already acquired HRVT-7 infection. This underscores the need for earlier access to HPV vaccine in the region.