Y chromosome DNA in cervicovaginal self-collected samples of childbearing age women: Implications for epitheliotropic sexually transmitted infections?
OBJECTIVE
Assuming a possible association between Y chromosome (Yc)-DNA and sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission rate, could Yc-DNA be related to an increased prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/2) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)? Could Yc-DNA be used to validate self-reported condom use and sexual behaviors?


METHODS
Cervicovaginal (CV) self-collected samples of 612 Portuguese women at childbearing age were tested for Yc, HPV, HSV-1/2 and CT by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
The prevalence of Yc, HPV, CT and HSV-2 was 4.9%, 17.6%, 11.6% and 2.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant trend for increased Yc-DNA prevalence in HPV positive samples [odds ratio (OR) 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-5.31] and oral contraceptive (OC) use (OR 4.73, 95% CI 1.09-20.44). A protective effect of condom use was observed in Yc-DNA detection (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.89). No statistically significant difference was found between Yc-DNA, CT and HSV-2 infection. HPV infection risk increased with age (>20 years), young age at first sexual intercourse (FSI) (≤18 years), >1 lifetime sexual partner (LSP) and OC use. Risk factors for CT infection were young age (≤20 years) and young age at FSI (≤18 years). HSV-2 infection risk increased with age (>20 years) and >1 LSP.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the prevalence of HPV and CT in Yc positive samples, we hypothesize a current infection due to recent sexual activity. The study of Yc PCR may add information as (i) a predictor of STI transmission and (ii) an indicative biomarker to validate self-reported condom use.
Molecular Oncology GRP and Viral Pathology - IC, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; FP-ENAS Research Unit, UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, CEBIMED, Biomedical Research centre, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal; LPCC, Research Department, Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPPC-NRN), Portugal.
Jani
J
Silva
FP-ENAS Research Unit, UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, CEBIMED, Biomedical Research centre, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal.
Fátima
F
Cerqueira
Molecular Oncology GRP and Viral Pathology - IC, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal; FP-ENAS Research Unit, UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, CEBIMED, Biomedical Research centre, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal; LPCC, Research Department, Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPPC-NRN), Portugal. Electronic address: ruimedei@ipoporto.min-saude.pt.
Rui
R
Medeiros
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D055815:Young Adult
Cervicovaginal self-sampling; Chlamydia trachomatis; Herpes Simplex Virus; Human Papillomavirus; Sexually transmitted infection; Y chromosome DNA