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

PurposeGlobal data on human papillomavirus (HPV) serological and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) prevalence are essential to optimize HPV prophylactic vaccination strategies.MethodsWe conducted a global review of age-specific HPV antibody and studies with both antibody and DNA prevalence for HPV-16, ?18, ?6, and ?11.ResultsOne 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 25–40 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 9–26-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 10–15 years before corresponding HPV-16/-18 antibody prevalence.ConclusionsFemales within the HPV vaccine-eligible age-group (9–26 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.