Genital human papillomavirus infection in female university students as determined by a PCR-based method

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease implicated in the development of abnormal growths and cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Although the epidemiology of HPV is well studied, the incidence of subclinical infection is unknown. This study of 467 college women used both the ViraPap test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine HPV infection. The women were predominantly white, in their early twenties, single, had never been pregnant, and averaged four sexual partners overall. Most had used oral contraceptives. Ninety-eight percent were at the health clinic for an annual examination, contraception, or menstrual problems. The ViraPap test detected a positive result at the cervix in seven percent. The PCR-based system found a positivity rate of 33 percent at the cervix, although there is some increase in the probably of false-positive results, that is, finding that the infection is present when it is not. The ViraPap test is easier to use, but is less sensitive. Clearly, HPV infection is common among healthy young women, although the prevalence may decrease with age. Genetic and environmental factors may cause progression to cervical cancer, but HPV infection could still be predictive in a particular group of women. How such a group might be identified is not known. HPV infection did not necessarily infect both the cervical and vulvar sites, so it appears that these infections may occur independently. The prevalence of infections with multiple HPV types was underestimated by both testing procedures. A test to detect multiple infections is under development. This and other studies will further the understanding of the progression of HPV infection and its role in cervical disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)