Alexis J Pillsbury1, Helen E Quinn1,2, TaNisha D Evans3, Peter B McIntyre1,2, Julia M L Brotherton4,5. 1. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead. 2. Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. PPD Laboratories, Highland Heights, Kentucky. 4. National HPV Vaccination Program Register, Victorian Cytology Service, East Melbourne. 5. School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Australia instituted funded female human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization in 2007, followed by a targeted male vaccination program in 2013. To date, Australia is one of only several countries with a funded male HPV immunization program. In 2012-2013, we conducted a survey of HPV seroprevalence in males to assess whether or not a herd impact of female vaccination could be observed. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of de-identified residual diagnostic test serum samples from males aged 15-39 years from laboratories in 3 Australian states and calculated the proportion seropositive to HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. We compared type-specific results by age group against those from a baseline 2005 Australian HPV serosurvey. RESULTS: There were decreases in proportion seropositive for every HPV type across all age groups, many statistically significant. The largest decrease was observed for HPV-11, with decreases of 8- and 9-fold for ages 20-29 and 30-39 years, respectively. Despite substantial reductions in seroprevalence, at least 9% of males were seropositive for at least 1 of the 4 HPV types. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first serosurvey confirming broad population-level impact in males from female HPV vaccination. Our research may assist policy makers considering implementing HPV vaccination programs.
BACKGROUND: Australia instituted funded female human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization in 2007, followed by a targeted male vaccination program in 2013. To date, Australia is one of only several countries with a funded male HPV immunization program. In 2012-2013, we conducted a survey of HPV seroprevalence in males to assess whether or not a herd impact of female vaccination could be observed. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of de-identified residual diagnostic test serum samples from males aged 15-39 years from laboratories in 3 Australian states and calculated the proportion seropositive to HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. We compared type-specific results by age group against those from a baseline 2005 Australian HPV serosurvey. RESULTS: There were decreases in proportion seropositive for every HPV type across all age groups, many statistically significant. The largest decrease was observed for HPV-11, with decreases of 8- and 9-fold for ages 20-29 and 30-39 years, respectively. Despite substantial reductions in seroprevalence, at least 9% of males were seropositive for at least 1 of the 4 HPV types. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first serosurvey confirming broad population-level impact in males from female HPV vaccination. Our research may assist policy makers considering implementing HPV vaccination programs.