Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes among apparently healthy women with normal and abnormal cervical cytology in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background: About 99.7% of cervical dysplasia and cancer cases are caused by persistent genital high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection. Most HPV infections are subclinical and self-limiting but may persists in about 5 to 10% of infected women, resulting in pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to invasive cancer years later. This study is aimed at detecting hrHPV among apparently healthy women of reproductive age in Kaduna State, thus providing more information for effective control of HPV and cervical cancer in Nigeria. Methodology: Cervical smears were taken from 515 randomly selected apparently healthy women across selected secondary and tertiary facilities from 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in each Senatorial Zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) technique was used to collect cervical smears and prepare smears for cytology study, while the remaining samples were stored at -80oC for molecular studies. HPV DNA were extracted from the samples and amplified by convectional PCR using specific hrHPV (HPV 16,18,31 and 45) primer sets and a broad spectrum MY09/11 and GP5+/6+ primers for a wider range of HPV genotypes. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and relationship between prevalence of hrHPV and socio-demographic factors such as age and marital status were determined using Chisquare or Fisher Exact test with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of total HPV and hrHPV infections in the study population was 11.8% (61/515) and 9.3% (48/515) respectively. A total of 100 HPV genotypes were detected by PCR in the 61 positive smears, with 66 hrHPV types from 48 women, and 34 other HPV types from 13 women. The frequency of hrHPV genotypes detected was HPV 31 (5.8%, n=30), HPV 45 (4.1%, n=21), HPV 16 (1.7%, n=9), and HPV 18 (1.2%, n=6), with other HPV genotypes (6.6%, n=34). The frequency of cervical dysplasia was 6.4% (33/515), which was significantly associated with all HPV genotypes except HPV 16. Single HPV infection was seen in 31 (51.8%) women while multiple infections were seen in 30 (49.2%), with double infection in 21 (34.4%) and triple infections in 9 (14.7%). Conclusion: The prevalence of hrHPV infection was high among women in Kaduna State, Nigeria. DNA-based screening for hrHPV genotypes and production of new vaccine that will protect against the predominant hrHPV genotypes are thus recommended for the prevention of cervical cancer in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

Human Papilloma Virus, Risk Factors and Sequelae: How much do Female Adolescents in Port Harcourt Metropolis know?

Background: Human Papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common viral infection of the genital tract; is sexually transmitted with the highest rates observed in young women. This study assessed the level of knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer among adolescent girls in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey among 328 in-school female secondary school students aged 9 - 19 years, selected via multi-stage sampling. Information on socio-demographics, knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer and sexual history were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Chi square test was used to establish associations. Results: Only 38.2% and 30% had heard of cervical cancer and HPV respectively; the media being the most common source. Knowledge of transmission, risk factors, sequelae and prevention of infection was poor (75%). About 20.2% were aware of the causal association between HPV infection and cervical cancer. Some (3.1%) were sexually exposed and practiced unprotected sexual intercourse. Median age at sexual debut was 11 years. Older and private school students (15-19years) had better knowledge Conclusion: The level of knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, their association and risk factors, among adolescent girls in Port Harcourt metropolis is poor. Some adolescents engage in sexual practices that put them at risk for HPV infection. Social media and upper primary and secondary school-based approach to HPV health promotion should be explored to provide detailed adolescent-friendly information to guide in prevention of HPV infection and cervical cancer.

Epidémiologie de l'infection à HPV en Région semi-urbaine du Cameroun: l'expérience du District de Santé de Baham, Ouest-Cameroun

Introduction. Les vaccins contre le HPV ciblent de façon privilégiée les papillomavirus humains 16 et 18. La distribution géographique de ces génotypes reste peu connue au Cameroun, ce qui a justifié notre étude. Méthodologie. Nous avons réalisé une étude transversale descriptive et analytique auprès de 157 femmes à l'hôpital de District de Baham-Ouest Cameroun. La détection et le typage des génotypes ont été obtenus par PCR à temps réel. Les analyses statistiques ont été réalisées à partir du logiciel Epi Info 3.5.1. Le test de Khi2 et de Fisher ont été utilisés pour la comparaison des taux. Une différence était considérée comme statistiquement significative lorsque p < 0.05. Résultats. Parmi les 157 prélèvements que nous avons analysés, nous avons eu 26 (16.6%) cas de positivité au HPV de haut risque, [IC à 95% (11.1-23.3%)]. Les génotypes vaccinaux (HPV 16 et, HPV 18) représentaient 30,8% de l'effectif. Le risque d'être infecté au HPV était doublé en cas d'analphabétisme [OR : 1,84(0,57-5,90) ; p=0,25], de premiers rapports sexuels pendant la jeune adolescence [OR : 2,18(0,79-6,01) ; et de recours à la contraception injectable [OR : 1,84(0,41-7,79), p=0,46].Comparées aux femmes négatives au HPV, les femmes avec infection à HPV avaient souvent une anomalie cytologique (23,5 vs 5,1 ; p=0.01). Conclusion. Dans le district de santé de Baham, les génotypes vaccinaux sont minoritaires. Le risque d'être infecté au HPV est doublé en cas d'analphabétisme, de début de rapports sexuels pendant la jeune adolescence et de recours à la contraception injectable

Dépistage des lésions précancéreuses du col utérin et micro-organismes associés dans trois communes de Nouakchott

Introduction : Le cancer du col de l'utérus emporte plus de 266.000 femmes chaque année dans le monde et 70% des victimes de cette affection vivent dans des pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire. Cette maladie peut être prévenue grâce à un test de frottis cervico-vaginal. Les objectifs de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence des lésions précancéreuses du col utérin et des micro-organismes associés dans la population étudiée et d'aider à une meilleure prise en charge de la maladie aussi bien dans la prévention que dans le traitement à l'échelle nationale. Patientes et méthodes : Cet article porte sur un échantillon de 500 femmes venant de 3 communes de Nouakchott (Arafat, Riad et Sebkha). Il ressort de notre étude que les infections spécifiques étaient prédominées par celles au Gardnerella vaginalis (58,44%). Elles étaient suivies respectivement par celles au Candida albicans (16,25%), Trichomonas vaginalis (14,29%) et HPV (12,98%). Les lésions pré-cancéreuses représentaient 14,29% des lésions spécifiques avec une forte association du HPV (95,4%).Conclusion : Il importe de vulgariser le test de FCV, en passant par la formation de cyto-techniciens capables de réaliser des FCV et multiplier les sites de dépistage à l'intérieur du pays

The Costs of Delivering Human Papillomavirus Vaccination to Grade 4 Learners in KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa

BACKGROUND:The national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination roll-out in South Africa provides two doses of Cervarix to all female Grade 4 learners in state schools. This study estimated the costs of vaccinating all learners in KwaZulu-Natal Province (females or males and females) using either the two- or three-dose strategies for both the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines.OBJECTIVE:To determine costs of the HPV vaccination programme in KwaZulu-Natal.METHODS:Costs were determined adapting World Health Organization vaccination costing guidelines. RESULTS:The 2014 current cost of delivering three doses of Gardasil was ZAR510 per learner. The projected cost of delivering Cervarix to female learners at two or three doses over the period 2014 - 2018; adjusted for inflation; was ZAR172 717 342 and ZAR250 048 426; respectively. Similarly; the cost for Gardasil at these doses was ZAR197 482 200 and ZAR287 194 361; respectively. For male and female learners the cost for Cervarix over this period at two or three doses was ZAR337 101 132 and ZAR540 150 713; respectively. Similarly; the cost for Gardasil at these doses was ZAR426 597 971 and ZAR620 392 784; respectively. Accounting for population variation for females over 5 years; the cost of two doses of Cervarix ranged from ZAR168 888 677 to ZAR 176 545 977 at the lower and upper 95% confidence intervals (CIs); respectively. For three doses the cost ranged from ZAR244 505 544 to ZAR255 591 263 at the lower and upper 95% CIs; respectively. Similarly; the cost for two doses of Gardasil ranged from ZAR193 104 566 to ZAR201 859 798. For three doses the cost ranged from ZAR280 828 057 to ZAR293 560 614. CONCLUSION:This study gives decision makers a basis for structured planning and cost apportionment to ensure effective roll-out of the HPV vaccination programme

Cervical Cancer: Overview and Prevention

BACKGROUND.Cervical cancer though a preventable disease; still has an estimated mortality of 80% from invasive cervical cancer in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of cervical cancer and the various modalities available for screening and prevention of cervical cancer.METHODOLOGY: Google search and review of the literature of published works on overview of cervical cancer and its various modalities for screening and prevention were utilised.RESULTS.The incidence; aetiology; risk factors; clinical features; management and prevention of cervical cancer in Nigeria and as compared worldwide is presented. The reduction in incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in developed countries is related to the fact that cervical cancer screening is well institutionalized.CONCLUSION.Cervical cancer is the commonest genital tract malignancy in Nigeria. It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the HPV. It is preventable! Vaccination against HPV is available worldwide and in Nigeria. It is thus imperative that the general public and medical personnel in particular appreciate the clinical importance of cervical cancer; and effectively outline the modalities for preventing cervical cancer; and thus advocate for institutionalizing cervical cancer screening activities in the Nigerian setting

Conjuctival squamous cell carcinoma associated with HIV infection in Kampala; Uganda

The incidence of conjunctival squamous-cell carcinoma in Kampala; Uganda; was steady at around 6 per million per year from 1970 until 1988; but has increased six-fold since then to 35 per million per year in 1992. Among 48 patients with conjunctival tumours seen at the ophthalmology clinic of the New Mulago Hospital from 1990 to 1991; 75were HIV seropositive; compared with a 19seropositivity rate among 48 matched controls (relative risk 13.0; 95Cl 4.5-39.4; p0.0001). The recent epidemic of conjunctival tumours in Uganda (and in neighbouring countries) appears to be largely due to the epidemic of HIV infection. Other factors may be exposure to ultraviolet light and conjuctival papillomavirus infection