Age-specific HPV seroprevalence among young females in The Netherlands

Overview & Synopsis

Objectives: To obtain insight into the age-specific seroprevalence for human papillomavirus (HPV) 6, 11, 16, and 18 among females before introduction of HPV vaccination in the Netherlands. Methods: In a population-based study in The Netherlands, 637 sera of 11-26-year-old females were tested for HPV6/11/16/18 antibodies. Sera were tested using a competitive Luminex assay with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies specific for each serotype. Associations between HPV seropositivity, demographics, and sexual behaviour were studied with logistic regression. Seroprevalences were standardized for age and urbanization degree to the general female population in the Netherlands. Results: Overall prevalence of antibodies against HPV6/11/16/18 was 7.9%. 4.3% had antibodies against HPV types 6/11, and 4.4% had antibodies against HPV types 16/18. HPV seropositivity significantly increased with age (OR 1.2; 95%CI 1.1-1.4), starting at the age of 16 years (median age of sexual debut in The Netherlands). A former diagnosis with sexually transmitted infections was also significantly associated with HPV seropositivity (OR 6.3; 95%CI 2.2-17.9). Conclusions: In addition to 12-year-old girls who are targeted for routine HPV vaccination, also girls up to 16 years are likely to benefit substantially from HPV16/18 vaccination. Testing for the presence of HPV antibodies in females after introduction of vaccination makes it possible to monitor the impact of immunisation at the population level.