title: Epidemiologic risk profile of infection with different groups of human papillomaviruses.
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. < or =30 years = 0.22 [0.09-0.55]; 31-45 vs. < or = 30 years = 0.57 [0.33-0.99]), having > or =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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. paulkschan@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: Paul K S
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Wendy C S
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Martin C S
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Alexander R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Josette S Y
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Chor
authors.forename: Mei-Yung
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012907:Smoking; D055815:Young Adult