The prevalence of HPV infections in HPV‐vaccinated women from the general population

Currently, three prophylactic HPV vaccines are commercially available to prevent HPV 16/18 infection and associated lesions. The aim of the study was to assess markers of HPV infection in women/girls before vaccination and to ascertain the prevalence and spectrum of post‐vaccination HPV types. Three hundred and thirty subjects of which 75 were virgins were enrolled. Before the first dose of the HPV vaccine and 1, 3 and 5 years after the completion of HPV vaccination, the samples for cytology, HPV detection and anti‐HPV antibody response were taken. At enrolment, HPV DNA was detected in 38% of sexually active girls/women. At the first, second and third follow‐up, HPV DNA was found in 40, 45, and 39% of them. The seroprevalence rates to HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 in these subjects were 31, 21, 18 and 10%. On the follow‐up significantly higher levels of antibodies to HPV 16/18 were found after application of divalent vaccine. Results of the study demonstrate high prevalence of HPV infection in young women. In a substantial number of women, HPV‐specific antibodies as well as high‐risk HPV types were detected. HPV‐specific antibodies were also frequently found in non‐sexually active girls. The acquisition of HPV after the onset of sexual life was very fast.