A systematic review of the treatment of active anogenital warts with human papillomavirus vaccines.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital warts (AGWs) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are a common manifestation of HPV infection. Treatment strategies generally include topical therapies to promote wart regression or removal through surgical or other means. These strategies are effective but are associated with high rates of recurrence. HPV vaccines are known to be effective for prevention of AGWs yet preliminary data suggest they may offer therapeutic benefit for regression of active AGWs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of HPV vaccines for treatment of active AGWs. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted in July 2023 with no limits on date of publication. The search was supplemented with a manual review of references from identified articles and pertinent review articles. Articles were included if they reported at least one patient with active AGWs who received at least one dose of any HPV vaccine. The primary outcome of interest was complete or partial regression of AGWs over any time period. Risk of bias was assessed for each study meeting inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Seven articles were included. These included 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT), 1 non-RCT, 3 case series, and 2 case reports. All were deemed to have a high risk of bias. Study results showed evidence that HPV vaccines may offer therapeutic benefits to those with active AGWs. Studies reported outcomes for both intralesional and systemically administered vaccines. Outcomes reported improvement according to both partial and complete regression of AGWs. CONCLUSION: This review found that there is evidence that HPV vaccines may have a role in the treatment of active AGWs. Findings support the notion that the vaccine should be offered to previously unvaccinated patients but the role of intralesional administration of the vaccine to vaccinated patients is still unclear.

Knowledge and beliefs of Greek parents towards HPV infection and vaccination - are they willing to vaccinate their sons?

OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) stands as one of the prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and serves as the primary factor behind nearly all instances of cervical cancer, along with various other non-cancerous conditions like genital warts. Our objective was to explore the knowledge and beliefs of Greek parents regarding HPV infection and the vaccination of boys against HPV. METHODS: A cross-sectional study took place at a university hospital located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, from January to June 2021. The study employed convenience sampling as its methodology, and data gathering involved the distribution of self-administered questionnaires to parents who had at least one son between the ages of 9 and 18 years. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 120 individuals. 65.8 % of parents have been informed about HPV vaccination, knew that the HPV vaccine provides immunity against genital warts (50 %), and that minimum of two doses is necessary (46.7 %). 30.8 % intended to vaccinate their boys against HPV if the vaccine were available for males. The most important reasons for vaccination were the perception that both genders share equal responsibility in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (91.7 %) and the protection against cancer (87.6 %), whereas the fear of adverse reactions and the adequate knowledge about HPV-related diseases were most reported as reasons of the intentions to not vaccinate their sons with 31.7 % and 25.8 % respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although parents participating in the study know about HPV, however, there are significant lack of knowledge regarding HPV infection and the vaccine effects, which can significantly affect the acceptance of vaccination for boys.

Public health impact of 2-, 4-, and 9-valent HPV vaccination in females on cervical and noncervical diseases in men and women under different coverage scenarios in China: A simulation study.

The high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in China suggests there would be a substantial positive health impact of widespread vaccination against HPV. We adapted a previously described dynamic transmission model of the natural history of HPV infection and related diseases to the Chinese setting to estimate the public health impact in China of 2-valent (with and without cross-protection), 4-valent, and 9-valent HPV vaccination strategies. The model predicted the incidence and mortality associated with HPV-related diseases, including cervical and noncervical cancers, genital warts, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), based on the various vaccination coverage rate (VCR) scenarios, over a 100-year time horizon. The public health impact of the 4 vaccination strategies was estimated in terms of cases and deaths averted compared to a scenario with no vaccination. Under the assumption of various primary and catch-up VCR scenarios, all 4 vaccination strategies reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in females and noncervical cancers in both sexes, and the 4-valent and 9-valent vaccines reduced the incidence of genital warts and RRP in both sexes. The 9-valent vaccination strategy was superior on all outcomes. The number of cervical cancer cases averted over 100 years ranged from ~ 1 million to ~ 5 million while the number of cervical cancer deaths averted was ~ 345,000 to ~ 1.9 million cases, depending on the VCR scenario. The VCR for primary vaccination was the major driver of cases averted.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccination strategies among men who have sex with men in China: a modeling study.

Introduction: The health and economic benefits of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination targeted at men who have sex with men (MSM) in developing settings have been rarely assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different HPV vaccination strategies among MSM in China. Methods: A Markov model was developed to simulate HPV transmission dynamics among a total of 30.73 million MSM in China. The corresponding natural history included 6 states: susceptible, infected with low-risk subtypes, high-risk subtypes, anogenital warts and anal cancer, and deaths from anal cancer. MSM were divided into three age groups with cut-off points of 27 and 45 years. Alternative vaccination strategies were built by allocating bivalent, quadrivalent, nine-valent, or no vaccine to each of the groups. We generated the prevented infections and deaths by vaccination compared with baseline (no vaccination) and calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to determine the optimal strategy. Results: The model showed that in 10 years, at baseline, the existing cases of anogenital warts would reach 5,464,225 (IQR, 4,685,708-6,174,175); that of anal cancer would reach 1,922.95 (1,716.56-2,119.93), resulting in 940.55 (732.27-1,141.87) deaths. Under 50% vaccination coverage among one age group, the prevented cases of anogenital warts were maximized with quadrivalent vaccines allocated to MSM aged 27-45 years; that of anal cancer were maximized when offering nine-valent vaccines to the same group. Under 50% vaccination coverage among all groups, the lowest ICER (34,098.09 USD/QALY, 31,146.54-37,062.88) was reached when only quadrivalent vaccines were provided. Based on this strategy, when the annual vaccination rate increased by 30%, the ICER (33,521.75 USD/QALY, 31,040.73-36,013.92) would fall below three times China's per capita GDP. When the vaccine price decreased by 60%, the ICER was reduced to 7,344.44 USD/QALY (4,392.89-10,309.23), indicating good cost-effectiveness taking China's per capita GDP as a threshold. Conclusions: HPV vaccination can effectively reduce the prevalence and mortality of related diseases among MSM in China, especially quadrivalent vaccines for anogenital warts and nine-valent vaccines for anal cancer. MSM aged 27-45 years were the optimal group for vaccination. Annual vaccination and appropriate adjustment of vaccine price are necessary to further improve the cost-effectiveness.

Quadrivalent HPV vaccine effectiveness against anogenital warts: A registry-based study of 2,2 million individuals.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, Norway initiated routine quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccination for girls at 12-13 years of age to protect against virus types causing cervical cancer, HPV16/18, and HPV6/11 which cause anogenital warts (AGW). We wanted to investigate qHPV vaccine effectiveness (VE) against AGW in females before and after first AGW episode and to assess the impact of female vaccination in males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QHPV vaccination and AGW episodes were collected for the time period 2006-2016 for birth cohorts 1975-2003. Cox models were applied to age at first, as well as at second AGW episode. Finally, we estimated the impact of the female vaccination program on unvaccinated males. RESULTS: The VE against the first episode of AGW was strongly dependent on vaccination age, with hazard ratios (HRs) compared to unvaccinated individuals of 0.2, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.3, and 2.7, for age groups of ⩽13, 14-15, 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, and 30+ years at first vaccination, respectively. Among women who had suffered a first episode of AGW, subsequent qHPV vaccination did not protect against a second episode, with HRs of 0.8, 1.0, and 1.4, for age groups of ⩽17, 18-24, and 25+ years at first vaccination. A gradually decreasing AGW risk was seen in unvaccinated male cohorts neighboring the first routinely vaccinated female 1997 cohort. CONCLUSIONS: When administered before 14 years of age, qHPV vaccination reduced the probability of AGW about fivefold. The effect decreased sharply with vaccination age, and was not significant among women vaccinated after age 20 years. QHPV administered after the first AGW episode did not protect against a second AGW episode. Herd effects were indicated in unvaccinated males, as we observed a gradual decrease in AGW rates from the 1993 male birth cohort and onwards.

HPV vaccination leads to decrease of anogenital warts and precancerous lesions of the cervix uteri in young women with low vaccination rates: a retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been recommended in Germany for girls since 2007, no organised vaccination programme was introduced and HPV vaccine coverage remains low. We investigated the HPV vaccination rates from 2008 to 2018 and the effects of HPV vaccination on anogenital warts and precancerous lesions in young women in Bavaria, Germany, a state with low vaccination rates. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of claims data from the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVB) on females born between 1990 and 2009 (9 to 28 years old in 2018) were conducted to calculate vaccination rates by birth cohort, proportion of vaccine types administered and incidence of anogenital warts and precancerous lesions of the cervix uteri. 942 841 Bavarian females 9 to 28 years old with available information on HPV vaccination were included to calculate vaccination rates. For the outcome analyses, data from 433 346 females 19 to 28 years old were analysed. Hazard ratios (HR) were computed from univariable and multivariable Cox regression models comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated women, considering type of vaccine used and contraceptive prescription. RESULTS: 40·9% of 18-year-olds and only 13·3% of 12-year-olds were fully vaccinated in 2018 in Bavaria. Gardasil® and Gardasil9® were most commonly administered. Vaccinated compared to unvaccinated women had a lower incidence of anogenital warts and cervical lesions, however only small differences were detected between fully and partially vaccinated women. Fully vaccinated women had a 63% (HR 0·37 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0·34 to 0·40) and 23% (HR 0·77, 95%CI 0·71 to 0·84) lower risk of anogenital warts and cervical lesions, respectively. Women who were prescribed contraceptives prior to vaccination had a 49% higher risk of developing anogenital warts (HR 1·49, 95%CI 1·25 to 1·79) or cervical lesions (HR 1·49, 95%CI 1·27 to 1·75) compared to vaccinated women without contraceptive prescription. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of the effects of HPV vaccination in Bavaria showed a promising decline of anogenital warts and precancerous lesions in vaccinated young women. However, an increase in vaccination rates is necessary to achieve a greater population impact in preventing HPV-related diseases.

Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica / Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines

Introducción El condiloma acuminado está causado por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), cuyos genotipos se han descrito tradicionalmente como de bajo y alto riesgo (AR) oncogénico. Clásicamente, los genotipos más frecuentes son el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 18, incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Nuestro objetivo es valorar cambios en la prevalencia de estos genotipos tras 10 años desde la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica en nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en la UITS de un Servicio de Dermatología entre enero de 2016 y junio de 2019, seleccionando posteriormente a los pacientes diagnosticados de condilomas acuminados. Resultados Se han diagnosticado 362 pacientes con condilomas acuminados, realizándose genotipado en 212 pacientes (58,6%). Se han detectado 32 genotipos distintos, siendo los más frecuentes el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 42. En el 93,9% la detección de VPH fue positiva, detectándose hasta 299 genotipos, lo que corresponde a 1,5 por paciente. En el 26,6% de pacientes se detectaron más de un genotipo distinto de VPH. En el 24,1% se detectó al menos un genotipo de AR. No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de un genotipo de AR y las variables estudiadas. En el 91,4% de las lesiones se aisló al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos cubiertos por las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Conclusiones La prevalencia de los genotipos de VPH incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas profilácticas desarrolladas ha disminuido. La implicación de al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos más frecuentes se ha mantenido estable con respecto a hace 10 años. Las infecciones por múltiples genotipos y la presencia de al menos un genotipo de AR oncogénico ha aumentado ligeramente (AU)

Background and objective Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. Material and methods Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. Results In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. Conclusions Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type (AU)

[Translated article] Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines / Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica

Background and objective Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. Material and methods Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. Results In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. Conclusions Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type (AU)

Introducción El condiloma acuminado está causado por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH), cuyos genotipos se han descrito tradicionalmente como de bajo y alto riesgo (AR) oncogénico. Clásicamente, los genotipos más frecuentes son el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 18, incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Nuestro objetivo es valorar cambios en la prevalencia de estos genotipos tras 10 años desde la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica en nuestro medio. Material y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en la UITS de un Servicio de Dermatología entre enero de 2016 y junio de 2019, seleccionando posteriormente a los pacientes diagnosticados de condilomas acuminados. Resultados Se han diagnosticado 362 pacientes con condilomas acuminados, realizándose genotipado en 212 pacientes (58,6%). Se han detectado 32 genotipos distintos, siendo los más frecuentes el 6, el 11, el 16 y el 42. En el 93,9% la detección de VPH fue positiva, detectándose hasta 299 genotipos, lo que corresponde a 1,5 por paciente. En el 26,6% de pacientes se detectaron más de un genotipo distinto de VPH. En el 24,1% se detectó al menos un genotipo de AR. No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de un genotipo de AR y las variables estudiadas. En el 91,4% de las lesiones se aisló al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos cubiertos por las dos primeras vacunas desarrolladas. Conclusiones La prevalencia de los genotipos de VPH incluidos en las dos primeras vacunas profilácticas desarrolladas ha disminuido. La implicación de al menos uno de los cuatro genotipos más frecuentes se ha mantenido estable con respecto a hace 10 años. Las infecciones por múltiples genotipos y la presencia de al menos un genotipo de AR oncogénico ha aumentado ligeramente (AU)

Awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination for condyloma acuminata among men who have sex with men in China.

The dissemination of the fact that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can protect females as well as males is greatly beneficial for the control of condyloma acuminata (CA). We aimed to investigate the acceptance of the HPV vaccine for CA among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A cross-sectional online survey in the adult MSM population from 31 regions in China was carried out via WeChat in May 2017. Information on demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, history of HIV and HPV infection, awareness of CA and HPV/CA vaccines, acceptance of CA vaccination, and behavioral intentions for vaccination were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 902 questionnaires were analyzed; the prevalence of CA was 13.3% (120/902), the HIV positivity rate was 15.1% (136/902), and the coinfection rate of HIV and CA was 3.9% (35/902). In the MSM population, the knowledge of CA and HPV/CA vaccines was poor, but the acceptance rate of the CA vaccine was high (85.1%, 768/902). Data indicated that MSM who had a history of anal intercourse (OR = 1.9), had heard of CA (OR = 2.9), knew the treatments for CA (OR = 2.0), had heard of HPV vaccines/cervical cancer vaccines (OR = 1.9), and received education about CA (OR = 1.9) were associated with the intention to use CA vaccines. With current moderate levels of CA and HPV/CA vaccine awareness, more emphasis should be placed on improving education and other behavioral interventions for high-risk populations such as MSM in China.

Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines. / Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. RESULTS: In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type.

Incidence of anogenital warts after the introduction of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine program in Manitoba, Canada.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of anogenital warts (AGW) decreased after the introduction of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine in multiple jurisdictions. We studied how comparing AGW incidence rates with different outcomes affects the interpretation of the qHPV vaccination program. To do this, we replicated multiple study designs within a single jurisdiction (Manitoba). METHODS: We measured the incidence rates of AGW, AGW-related prescriptions, chlamydia, and gonorrhea (the latter two as sham outcomes) between 2001 and 2017 using several clinical and administrative health databases from Manitoba. We then used incidence rate ratios (IRRs) to compare, for each outcome, the rate for the 1997-1998 birth cohort (the first cohorts eligible for the publicly funded qHPV vaccination program) and the older 1995-1996 birth cohort. RESULTS: AGW incidence in Manitoba dropped 72% (95% confidence interval 54-83%) among 16-18 year-old girls and 51% (14-72%) among boys after the introduction of the female-only qHPV vaccination program. Trends in AGW-related prescriptions were different from trends in AGW diagnoses as these prescriptions peaked shortly after the introduction of the publicly funded qHPV vaccine program. Chlamydia and gonorrhea incidence rates also decreased 12% (5-18%) and 16% (-1-30%), respectively, for 16-18 year-old girls. CONCLUSIONS: The publicly funded school-based qHPV vaccine program reduced AGW incidence in Manitoba by three-quarters in young females. AGW-related prescriptions are a poor proxy for medically attended AGW after the introduction of the publicly funded qHPV vaccination program. Different sexual habits in adolescents are, at most, responsible for a small portion of the reduction in AGW incidence.

A predictive model of genital warts preventive behaviors among women in the south of Iran: application of health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Genital wart (GW) is known as an infectious disease. Besides the infection, it is associated with a higher risk of cervical neoplasia and cancer in the infected population. The present research aimed to explore the predictors of GW preventive behaviors based on the health belief model (HBM). METHODS: The present analytical and cross-sectional research was conducted in 2019 among 720 women between 15 and 49 years of age in Bandar Abbas in the south of Iran. The sample was selected in a multi-stratified clustering method. The participants responded to a reliable and valid researcher-made questionnaire which explored demographic information, knowledge-related items and the model constructs. A multivariate linear regression analysis was run to determine the predictors of adopting GW preventive behaviors. A path analysis was also run to test the direct and indirect effects of the model constructs on the dependent variable. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of participants' age was 30.43 ± 8.697 years. As Pearson's correlation coefficients showed, knowledge (r = 0.197, p < 0.001), perceived susceptibility (r = 0.434, p < 0.001), severity (r = 0.463, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (r = 0.434, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with the adoption of GWs preventive behaviors. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that self-efficacy (B = - 0.010, p < 0.001), perceived susceptibility (B = 0.070, p < 0.001) and severity (B = 0.078, p < 0.001) were the predictors of GW preventive behaviors. Path analysis showed that perceived susceptibility, severity and self-efficacy directly affected healthy behaviors while perceived benefits and barriers indirectly affected the preventive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings help to promote knowledge of the predictors of GW preventive behaviors. HBM can be a useful theoretical framework to evaluate the preventive behavior of the disease and help to reduce the rate of sexually-transmitted infections including GW.

Knowledge, Attitudes and HPV Vaccine Intention Among Women in India.

In India, cervical cancer associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. However, uptake of the vaccine in India is low. We assessed knowledge and attitudes towards HPV, assess participants' willingness to accept the vaccination for themselves and their children, and determine factors associated with intention to receive the HPV vaccine among women in Mangalore, India. This cross-sectional study surveyed a convenient sample of 237 women aged 18-45 years using a semi-structured questionnaire. All respondents reported being aware of HPV infection. However, 22.36% (n = 53) of the respondents have never heard about genital warts and 18.57% (n = 44) have never heard about HPV vaccine. Participants displayed good general knowledge of HPV infection (median score, 1.26; Interquartile Range (IQR): 1.04-1.52) and average knowledge of HPV vaccine (e.g., median score, 1.18; IQR: 0.73-1.45). HPV general knowledge and vaccine knowledge were associated with intention to receive the HPV vaccine and recommend it to children. Participant awareness of the HPV vaccine predicted vaccine intent for themselves. Participants' willingness to recommend the vaccine for their children was associated with older age, married status, having one or more children, and having a college education. Lack of awareness about genital warts was strongly associated with participants' refusal to get the HPV vaccine or recommend it for their own children (Relative Risk Ratio RRR: 12.21; 95% C.I.: 2.33-63.99). Our study validated the questionnaire as a reliable tool for assessing HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and vaccine intentions in women aged 18-45 years. Public health education should focus on increasing awareness of genital warts as a sequela of HPV, as well as promote awareness of role and safety of HPV vaccination in -children.

Human Papillomavirus associated prevention: knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risks among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Pakistan: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals are at higher risk of genital warts and anal cancer due to sexually transmitted human papillomavirus infection. This study explores MSM and transgender women's perceptions of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV prevention strategies (screening and vaccination) in Pakistan. DESIGN: A qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGD) with self-identified MSM, male sex workers and transgender women were conducted between March 2019 to August 2019 in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: Participants were recruited from community-based organization (CBO) working for MSM and transgender women. A total of 38 men and 10 transgender women took part in 6 FGDs. Discussions were recorded, translated, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were identified from the emerging analysis. These are, 1) Knowledge and risk perceptions about STIs and HPV, 2) Beliefs and attitudes towards HPV prevention, 3) Participant's recommendations for HPV vaccination and anal Pap screening. Participants described lack of knowledge of HPV and its health consequences as HIV is the only focus of attention of the government and the local CBOs. None of participants had heard about HPV prevention including vaccination and anal Pap screening for men but expressed a positive attitude towards prevention. Genital warts and anal cancer were perceived as severe potential consequences of a known risk behaviors. All participants stated they would be interested in taking an HPV vaccine but acknowledged that the provision of services for sexually transmitted infections (STI) are inadequate to meet the needs of key populations and are not prioritized by the government. The main perceived barriers to access HPV prevention included cost and challenges to access public health care services or openly discussing one's sexual orientation with health care providers. Participants generally preferred the CBO for more professional, unbiased staff attitudes that respect patients' integrity, confidentiality and privacy. Most participants thought that in case the government is non-cooperative, CBOs should work in the interest of HPV eradication and generate funds through international funding. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study can help public health policy and researchers to understand this minority's perspective on HPV prevention. Given the low level of knowledge about HPV infection and its negative health consequences there is a need of HPV education combined with STI education and awareness through HPV brochures to educate the target population effectively.

Epidemiological impact of the human papillomavirus vaccination program on genital warts in Portugal: A retrospective, chart review study.

BACKGROUND: The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was introduced in the Portuguese National Immunization Program in October 2008, targeting 13-year-old girls. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of HPV vaccination on the epidemiology of genital warts (GWs) in Portugal. METHODS: Observational, retrospective chart review study conducted at two free-of-charge walk-in sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinics in Lisbon region. The medical records of all patients attending a first STD consultation at the study centers between May 2006 and December 2017 (observation period) were reviewed. The number of patients diagnosed with GWs and/or chlamydial infection at each year was documented and used to determine yearly prevalence of both conditions throughout the observation period. We broke down the observation period into pre-vaccination (May 2006 to December 2008) and vaccination (January 2009 to December 2017) periods. RESULTS: Most patients were male (69.5%) and aged ≥ 25 years (78.1%). The majority of male patients were men who have sex with women (62.0%). Marked decreases in the prevalence of GWs between the last year of the pre-vaccination period (2008) and the last year of the observation period (2017) were found for female patients aged ≤ 19 and 20-24 years (86.8% and 77.4%, respectively). Lower decreases were observed for male patients of the same age groups (38.5% and 19.3%, respectively). GWs prevalence increased among patients ≥ 25 years (9.7% and 14.7% among female and male patients, respectively). Overall prevalence of chlamydial infection increased by 75.9% between 2008 and 2017. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the body of evidence showing that public HPV vaccination programs are effective in reducing the prevalence of GWs among vaccine-eligible patients. HPV vaccination program may significantly reduce the burden associated with GWs in Portugal.

Could the human papillomavirus recombinant vaccine be a new valid approach in the management of ano-genital warts?

Abstract: In line with previous case-reports, the study conducted by Hoom Choi ascertained the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine as a promising approach in the therapeutic management of ano-genital warts. The uncertain length of time and the varying effectiveness of traditional treatments encourage a reduction in the use of them and the development of a therapeutic use of HPV-vaccination. While the efficacy, safety profile and effects of the HPV vaccination in preventing ano-genital warts is well-know, therapeutic HPV vaccination has not been evaluated in a Randomized Prospective Trial, to date, and has not received a formal approval and an off-label indication for the treatment of those lesions. For these reasons, RCTs or cohort studies are warranted.

Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine in men: results of an open-label, long-term extension of a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was shown to prevent infections and lesions related to HPV6, 11, 16, and 18 in a randomised, placebo-controlled study in men aged 16-26 years. We assessed the incidences of external genital warts related to HPV6 or 11, and external genital lesions and anal dysplasia related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18, over 10 years of follow-up. METHODS: The 3-year base study was an international, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial done at 71 sites in 18 countries. Eligible participants were heterosexual men (aged 16-23 years) or men who have sex with men (MSM; aged 16-26 years). Men who had clinically detectable anogenital warts or genital lesions at screening that were suggestive of infection with non-HPV sexually transmitted diseases, or who had a history of such findings, were excluded. Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive three doses of either quadrivalent HPV vaccine or placebo on day 1, month 2, and month 6, administered as a 0·5-mL injection into the deltoid muscle. The 7-year, open-label, long-term follow-up extension study was done at 46 centres in 16 countries. Participants who received one or more doses of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in the base study were eligible for enrolment into the long-term follow-up study (early vaccination group). Placebo recipients were offered the three-dose quadrivalent HPV vaccine at the end of the base study; those who received one or more quadrivalent HPV vaccine doses were eligible for enrolment into the long-term follow-up study (catch-up vaccination group). The primary efficacy endpoints were the incidence of external genital warts related to HPV6 or 11 and the incidence of external genital lesions related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 in all participants and the incidence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (including anal warts and flat lesions) or anal cancer related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 in MSM only. The primary efficacy analysis was done in the per-protocol population for the early vaccination group, which included participants who received all three vaccine doses, were seronegative at day 1 and PCR-negative from day 1 through month 7 of the base study for the HPV type being analysed, had no protocol violations that could affect evaluation of vaccine efficacy, and had attended at least one visit during the long-term follow-up study. For the catch-up vaccination group, efficacy was assessed in the modified intention-to-treat population, which included participants who had received at least one vaccine dose, were seronegative and PCR-negative for HPV types analysed from day 1 of the base study to the final follow-up visit before receiving the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, and had at least one long-term follow-up visit. Safety was assessed in all randomised participants who received at least one vaccine dose. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00090285. FINDINGS: Between Aug 10, 2010, and April 3, 2017, 1803 participants were enrolled in the long-term follow-up study, of whom 936 (827 heterosexual men and 109 MSM) were included in the early vaccination group and 867 (739 heterosexual men and 128 MSM) were included in the catch-up vaccination group. Participants in the early vaccination group were followed up for a median of 9·5 years (range 0·1-11·5) after receiving the third dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, and participants in the catch-up vaccination group were followed up for a median of 4·7 years (0·0-6·6) after receiving the third dose. In early vaccine group participants during long-term follow-up compared with the placebo group in the base study, the incidence per 10 000 person-years of external genital warts related to HPV6 or 11 was 0·0 (95% CI 0·0-8·7) versus 137·3 (83·9-212·1), of external genital lesions related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 was 0·0 (0·0-7·7) versus 140·4 (89·0-210·7), and of anal intraepithelial neoplasia or anal cancer related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 in MSM only was 20·5 (0·5-114·4) versus 906·2 (553·5-1399·5). Compared with during the base study (ie, before quadrivalent HPV vaccine administration), during the long-term follow-up period, participants in the catch-up vaccination group had no new reported cases of external genital warts related to HPV6 or 11 (149·6 cases per 10 000 person-years [95% CI 101·6-212·3] vs 0 cases per 10 000 person-years [0·0-13·5]) or external genital lesions related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 (155·1 cases per 10 000 person-years [108·0-215·7] vs 0 cases per 10 000 person-years [0·0-10·2]), and a lower incidence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia or anal cancer related to HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 (886·0 cases per 10 000 person-years [583·9-1289·1] vs 101·3 cases per 10 000 person-years [32·9-236·3]). No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported. INTERPRETATION: The quadrivalent HPV vaccine provides durable protection against anogenital disease related to HPV6, 11, 16, and 18. The results support quadrivalent HPV vaccination in men, including catch-up vaccination. FUNDING: Merck Sharp & Dohme.