Seroepidemiology and High Negativity of IgG Antibodies Against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Type 6, 11, 16, and 18 Virus-like Particles in Women of Childbearing Age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This study reports the seroepidemiology and high negativity of IgG antibodies against the most common low- and high-risk HPVs among sexually active women of childbearing age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of 182 consented women (age range 19–45 years) were consecutively recruited to participate in the study. Using a Performa specifically designed for this study, pertinent socio-demographic/behavioral data were collected. Five 5 mL blood samples were also collected (aseptically) from each woman. Plasma of each sample was assayed for HPV-6/11/16/18 virus-like particles using a HPV IgG ELISA kit (Dia.Pro). The study showed a high overall anti-HPV seronegativity of 95.1% among these women. High group-specific seronegativity was also observed which ranged from 90.0 −100.0%. None of the variables evaluated showed statistical association with the HPV seronegativity. This study further confirmed the presence of HPV and susceptibility of a large population of women in their childbearing age to infections with these four HPV genotypes in Nigeria. Our findings therefore advocate for routine and early screening and clinical evaluation of all women of childbearing age for HPV- infection and -related manifestations.

Keywords:

• HPV
• seroepidemiology
• IgG antibodies
• ELISA
• seronegativity