Cross-sectional seroprevalence of antibodies against 6, 11, 16 and 18 human papilloma virus (HPV) types among teenagers and young women in Italy

Abstract

Background. Little is known about human papilloma virus (HPV) seroprevalence in the  healthy Italian population. The aim of the study was to assess seroprevalence of antibodies  against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 among girls and young women in Italy.
Methods. Sera were tested with a commercially available ELISA assay detecting specific IgG.  Results. Seroprevalence was 54.1% in girls between 11 to 18 years old and 8.2% in over  18s. Overall seropositivity in birth cohorts invited for free immunization reached 72.8% and  was significantly higher than in other age subgroups. The highest levels of antibodies were  detected in girls of 12 years old that should have just completed the vaccination schedule. 
Conclusion. A standardized seroepidemiological survey on HPV represents a useful tool  for  identifying  groups  at  risk  in  which  immunization  is  recommended,  monitoring  of  vaccinated women, assessing whether booster vaccination is required.