HPV Seroprevalence in Costa Rican Women
Author Information
Author(s): Wang S S, Schiffman M, Shields T S, Herrero R, Hildesheim A, Bratti M C, Sherman M E, Rodriguez A C, Castle P E, Morales J, Alfaro M, Wright T, Chen S, Clayman B, Burk R D, Viscidi R P
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
What is the seroprevalence of oncogenic HPV types in a population-based cohort of women in Costa Rica?
Conclusion
The study found that the seroprevalence of HPV-16, -18, -31, and -45 in Costa Rican women was significantly higher than the prevalence of HPV DNA.
Supporting Evidence
- The seroprevalence for HPV-16 was 15.4%, HPV-18 was 15.5%, HPV-31 was 16.5%, and HPV-45 was 11.1%.
- Women who were HPV DNA-positive had a higher seroprevalence compared to those who were HPV DNA-negative.
- The study included a representative sample of the adult female population in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many women in Costa Rica have been exposed to certain types of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. They found that many women had antibodies showing past exposure.
Methodology
The study involved serological testing of plasma samples for HPV antibodies and HPV DNA testing on cervical specimens from a cohort of women.
Potential Biases
Potential for assay crossreactivity may have affected seroprevalence estimates.
Limitations
The study did not include HPV DNA measurements in virgins, which may underestimate the true prevalence of HPV.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 38 years, with a range from 18 to 97 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.1–3.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website