Human papilloma virus (HPV) prevalence upon HPV vaccination in Swedish youth: a review based on our findings 2008-2018, and perspectives on cancer prevention

Purpose Three human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are available against up to nine HPV types. In Sweden, from 2012, Gardasil was offered to 10-12 year old girls through the school-based vaccination program, and as catchup vaccination for women up to 26 years. To obtain a baseline, and follow HPV vaccination effects, during 2008-2018, cervical and oral HPV prevalence were followed at a youth clinic in Stockholm, and in 2013 for comparison oral HPV prevalence was examined in high-school youth in a middle-sized county in Sweden. Methods In this review, we discuss all our data with cervical and oral mouthwash samples that were collected and tested for 24-27 HPV types by a bead-based multiplex assay from 2008. Results Compared with 2008-2011, with similar to 35% HPV16 and > 60% high risk (HR) HPV cervical prevalence at the youth clinic, a decrease of vaccine HPV types was observed between 2013 and 2018, with e.g., HPV16 falling to 5% in catchup vaccinated women and 15-18% in nonvaccinated women. Most common cervical HR-HPV types were HPV39, 51, 52, 56, and 59 together accounting for similar to 10% of cervical cancer, and where only HPV52 is included in Gardasil-9. At baseline 2009-2011, oral HPV prevalence was similar to 10% in unvaccinated youth at the youth clinic, but after 2013 it dropped to < 2% at the youth clinic and high schools. Conclusion To conclude, Gardasil HPV types have decreased, but it is still important to follow remaining HR-HPV types and cancer development, since there is an ongoing increase in the incidence of HPV-associated tonsillar and base of tongue cancer, and cervical cancer in Sweden.

Automated summary

The study found that HPV vaccination in Sweden led to a decrease in cervical HPV prevalence and oral HPV prevalence in youth, with Gardasil HPV types decreasing. However, it is important to continue monitoring remaining high-risk HPV types and cancer development.