Human papillomavirus (HPV) 6, 11, 16, and 18 prevalence among females in the United States--National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2006: opportunity to measure HPV vaccine impact?

The 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were used to assess human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18 DNA detection from females aged 14-59 years who self-collected cervicovaginal swab specimens. Prevalence was 8.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.8%-10.0%) and was highest among women aged 20-24 years (18.5%; 95% CI, 14.9%-22.8%). Age group, education, marital status, and sexual behavior were associated with detection. These data provide baseline information before HPV vaccine introduction. Early impact of vaccine in the United States may be determined by a reduction in the prevalence of HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 infection among young women.