Age-specific human papillomavirus antibody and deoxyribonucleic acid prevalence: A global review

Purpose: Global data on human papillomavirus (HPV) serological and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) prevalence are essential to optimize HPV prophylactic vaccination strategies. Methods: We conducted a global review of age-specific HPV antibody and studies with both antibody and DNA prevalence for HPV-16, -18, -6, and -11. Results: One hundred seventeen studies were included; participants' ages ranged from several hours to >90 years. HPV-16 seroprevalence was generally higher in Africa, Central and South America, and North America, more prevalent among women than among men, and peaked around ages 2540 years. HPV-18 seroprevalence was generally lower than HPV-16 with a later age peak. Data were limited for HPV-6 and -11, both of which peaked at ages similar to HPV-18. Among 926-year-old females, HPV-16 seroprevalence ranged from 0%31% in North America, 21%30% in Africa, 0%23% in Asia/Australia, 0%33% in Europe, and 13%43% in Central and South America. HPV-16/-18 DNA prevalence peaked 1015 years before corresponding HPV-16/-18 antibody prevalence. Conclusions: Females within the HPV vaccine-eligible age-group (926 years) had a range of dual HPV-16 DNA and serology negativity from 81%87%, whereas 90%98% were HPV-16 DNA negative. Serology and DNA data are lacking worldwide for females younger than age 15 years, the prime target group for vaccination.