Comparative performance of novel self-sampling methods in detecting high-risk human papillomavirus in 30,130 women not attending cervical screening.

We determined whether the participation rate for a brush-based cervicovaginal self-sampling device is noninferior to the participation rate for a lavage-based one for testing for hrHPV (high-risk human papillomavirus). Additionally, positivity rates for hrHPV, the detection rates for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 or worse (CIN2+/3+), and user comfort were compared. A total of 35,477 non-responders of the regular cervical screening program aged 33-63 years were invited to participate. Eligible women (n = 30,130) were randomly assigned to receive either a brush-based or a lavage-based device, and a questionnaire for reporting user convenience. Self-sampling responders testing hrHPV-positive were invited for a physician-taken sample for cytology; triage-positive women were referred for colposcopy. A total of 5,218 women participated in the brush-based sampling group (34.6%) and 4809 women in the lavage-based group (31.9%), i.e. an absolute difference of 2.7% (95%CI 1.8-4.2). The hrHPV-positivity rates in the two groups were identical (8.3%, relative risk (RR) 0.99, 95%CI 0.87-1.13). The detection of CIN2+ and CIN3+ in the brush group (2.0% for CIN2+; 1.3% for CIN3+) was similar to that in the lavage group (1.9% for CIN2+; 1.0% for CIN3+) with a cumulative RR of 1.01, 95%CI 0.83-1.24 for CIN2+ and 1.25, 95%CI 0.92-1.70 for CIN3+. The two self-sampling devices performed similarly in user comfort. In conclusion, offering a brush-based device to non-responders is noninferior to offering a lavage-based device in terms of participation. The two self-sampling methods are equally effective in detecting hrHPV, CIN2+/CIN3+ and are both well accepted.

Evaluation of a novel Chlamydia trachomatis microsphere suspension assay for detection and genotyping of the different serovars in clinical samples.

A novel Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) microsphere suspension (MS) assay was evaluated for identification of the different serovars, using the same PCR primer set established for the Ct Detection and genoTyping assay. Both assays can detect and identify all 14 major serovars (A, B/Ba, C, D/Da, E, F, G/Ga, H, I/Ia, J, K, L1, L2/L2a, and L3) and one genovariant of serovar J. The probe specificity for the Ct-MS assay was determined using 14 Ct reference strains and 1 clinical isolate from a genovariant of serovar J. Also, the Ct-MS assay and the Ct detection and genoTyping assay were compared in 712 Ct-positive clinical samples. The Ct-MS assay showed a highly specific reaction for all probes with the amplicons of the reference strains, giving a very low background median fluorescence intensity signal (median fluorescence intensity ≤ 10). An excellent overall agreement in the Ct detection (kappa = 0.947, 95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 0.999; McNemar's test, P = 1.000) and the Ct genotyping (kappa = 0.993, 95% confidence interval, 0.977 to 1.000; McNemar's test, P = 0.053) was observed between the Ct detection and genoTyping (DT) assay and the Ct-MS assay. In conclusion, the novel Ct-MS assay permits simultaneous detection and genotyping of Ct serovars, making the Ct-MS assay an excellent high throughput method.

Treatment of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia with topical imiquimod.

BACKGROUND: Alternatives to surgery are needed for the treatment of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. We investigated the effectiveness of imiquimod 5% cream, a topical immune-response modulator, for the treatment of this condition. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with grade 2 or 3 vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia were randomly assigned to receive either imiquimod or placebo, applied twice weekly for 16 weeks. The primary outcome was a reduction of more than 25% in lesion size at 20 weeks. Secondary outcomes were histologic regression, clearance of human papillomavirus (HPV) from the lesion, changes in immune cells in the epidermis and dermis of the vulva, relief of symptoms, improvement of quality of life, and durability of response. Reduction in lesion size was classified as complete response (elimination), strong partial response (76 to 99% reduction), weak partial response (26 to 75% reduction), or no response (< or =25% reduction). The follow-up period was 12 months. RESULTS: Lesion size was reduced by more than 25% at 20 weeks in 21 of the 26 patients (81%) treated with imiquimod and in none of those treated with placebo (P<0.001). Histologic regression was significantly greater in the imiquimod group than in the placebo group (P<0.001). At baseline, 50 patients (96%) tested positive for HPV DNA. HPV cleared from the lesion in 15 patients in the imiquimod group (58%), as compared with 2 in the placebo group (8%) (P<0.001). The number of immune epidermal cells increased significantly and the number of immune dermal cells decreased significantly with imiquimod as compared with placebo. Imiquimod reduced pruritus and pain at 20 weeks (P=0.008 and P=0.004, respectively) and at 12 months (P=0.04 and P=0.02, respectively). The lesion progressed to invasion (to a depth of <1 mm) in 3 of 49 patients (6%) followed for 12 months (2 in the placebo group and 1 in the imiquimod group). Nine patients, all treated with imiquimod, had a complete response at 20 weeks and remained free from disease at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Imiquimod is effective in the treatment of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. (Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN11290871 [controlled-trials.com].).

Risk factors of invasive cervical cancer in Mali.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in Mali and the second commonest cause of cancer mortality. METHODS: As part of an international effort to evaluate the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the aetiology of cervical cancer, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study in three medical centres in Bamako during 1994-1995. A total of 82 cases (invasive cervical cancer patients) and 97 controls matched to the cases for age were included. Information on risk factors was collected through personal interview. Serum antibodies to HPV 16, 18 and 31 virus like particles (VLP) were detected using ELISA assays. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect HPV DNA in frozen biopsies of cases. RESULTS: Human papillomavirus 6, 18, 31 VLP were detected in 60.4% of cases and 45.4% of controls (P = 0.03). Overall, HPV DNA was identified in 96.9% of the cervical cancer cases. Risk factors for cervical cancer were parity >10 versus <5 children ([odds ratio] OR = 4.8, 95% CI : 1.5-14.7), never having practised vaginal douching (OR = 17.6, 95% CI : 4.2-74.7), re-using home-made feminine napkins (OR = 45.9, 95% CI : 8.8-238.7) and having a husband with more than two wives (OR = 5.3, 95% CI : 1.3-21.3). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide further evidence on the role of HPV in cervical cancer and show that high parity and poor genital hygiene conditions were the main co-factors for cervical cancer in this population with prevalent HPV infection.