sexually transmitted infections

Prevalence of HPV Is Still High in the United States

In 2018, the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was 40.0%, with a higher rate in men (41.8%) than in women (38.4%), according to results of a new study.1

“We document a high HPV burden of infection in the United States in 2018, with 42 million persons infected with disease-associated HPV and 13 million persons acquiring a new infection,” the researchers wrote. “While most infections clear, some disease-associated HPV type infections progress to disease.”1

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It can cause cancer of the cervix, penis, and anus, among other parts of the body. However, it is a vaccine-preventable illness.2 The vaccine is recommended for all individuals aged 11 or 12 years, but adults aged 27 to 45 years may need to get vaccinated if they had not been adequately vaccinated at a younger age.3

To better understand the prevalence rate of HPV in the United States, the researchers used data from individuals aged 15 to 59 years participating in the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The incidence rate for 2018 was calculated via an individual-based transmission-dynamic type-specific model.

Included in their analysis were individuals with any HPV infection (determined via Linear Array, which can detect 37 types of HPV), any disease-associated HPV infection, 2 strains that cause anogenital warts, and 14 strains known to cause cervical cancer.

Overall, the prevalence rate of any HPV infection was 40.0%, and the incidence rate of any HPV infection was 1222 per 10,000 persons. Moreover, men were more likely than women to have any HPV infection (41.8% vs 38.4%).

The prevalence rate of disease-associated HPV infection was also higher in men vs women (24.2% and 19.9%). The incidence rate of disease-associated HPV infection was 672 per 10,000 persons.

Although these numbers seem high, the prevalence of HPV has been on the decline since 2014, when the prevalence was estimated at 42.5% of the general population.2

“The HPV burden highlights the need for continued monitoring of HPV-associated cancers, cervical cancer screening, and HPV vaccination to track and prevent disease,” the researchers concluded.1

—Amanda Balbi

References

  1. Lewis RM, Laprise JF, Gargano JW, et al. Estimated prevalence and incidence of disease-associated HPV types among 15-59-year-olds in the United States. Sex Transm Dis. Published online: January 23, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000001356
  2. McQuillan G, Kruszon-Moran D, Markowitz LE, Unger ER, Paulose-Ram R. Prevalence of HPV in adults aged 18-69: United States, 2011-2014. NCHS Data Brief. 2017;(380):1-8. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db280.htm
  3. HPV vaccine recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed: March 17, 2020. Accessed: February 4, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html