Research

12 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing HPV Vaccine Intentions in Malaysian Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia

by Li Ping Wong, Haridah Alias and Sin How Lim

Pathogens 2023, 12(10), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12101261 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1097

In the landscape of healthcare disparities and the marginalized status of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia, understanding the dynamics surrounding HPV vaccination is of paramount importance. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge and attitudes of [...] Read more.

In the landscape of healthcare disparities and the marginalized status of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia, understanding the dynamics surrounding HPV vaccination is of paramount importance. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge and attitudes of MSM regarding HPV vaccination and to identify factors that may hinder or facilitate its uptake. The findings will contribute to the development of targeted interventions to promote HPV vaccination and reduce the burden of HPV-related health issues among Malaysian MSM. Between May 2019 and September 2022, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data through popular social media platforms targeting MSM in Malaysia. A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to investigate the associations between HPV vaccination intention and various influencing factors. Out of the total 411 respondents in the study, 266 (60.3%) indicated an intent to receive the HPV vaccination, falling under the categories of “certain to happen”, “very likely”, and “likely”. The average knowledge score for participants was 6.82 (SD = 3.93, range 0–13) out of a total possible score of 13. In the multivariate logistic model, participants who identified themselves as bisexual (OR 6.93, 95% CI 2.35–20.41) and gay/homosexual (OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.66–11.42) showed a greater inclination to receive the HPV vaccine compared to heterosexual participants. High intent to be vaccinated for HPV infection was positively and significantly associated with a high level of knowledge (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.09–2.95). In the multivariable model, there was no significant association between all variables of attitudes towards HPV infection and HPV vaccinations and the intention to receive HPV vaccination. Study participants reported a low level of susceptibility to HPV infection despite their perception that HPV infection is severe. Two-thirds of participants expected to encounter stigma in healthcare settings during future implementation of HPV vaccination programs. This study underscores the importance of improving HPV vaccine acceptance among Malaysian MSM due to the moderate acceptance level observed. In Malaysia, promoting HPV awareness, enhancing risk perception, and addressing stigma and sensitivity surrounding HPV vaccination may be beneficial in increasing the vaccination willingness among MSM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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13 pages, 1804 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Human Papillomavirus Genotype Richness and the Biodiversity of Squamous and Glandular Cervical Dysplasias: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Elisa Gozzini, Davide Radice, Fabio Bottari, Sara Boveri, Maria Elena Guerrieri, Eleonora Petra Preti, Noemi Spolti, Mariacristina Ghioni, Federico Ferrari and Anna Daniela Iacobone

Pathogens 2023, 12(10), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12101234 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 2598

Abstract

The impact of multiple infections on the risk of cervical lesions is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aims to explore whether the richness of HPV genotype infections and the biodiversity of squamous and glandular cervical dysplasias could influence the progression of [...] Read more.

The impact of multiple infections on the risk of cervical lesions is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aims to explore whether the richness of HPV genotype infections and the biodiversity of squamous and glandular cervical dysplasias could influence the progression of precancerous lesions. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 469 women who attended the Colposcopy Unit at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy, from December 2006 to December 2014. HPV type richness was measured as the number of different genotypes per patient. We calculated the associations between richness and age, as well as histologic grade, along with Simpson’s biodiversity index for cervical dysplasias. We observed significant inverse relationships between the richness of high-risk (HR) genotypes and both age (p = 0.007) and histologic grade (p < 0.001). Furthermore, as the histologic grade increased, the mean biodiversity index of cervical dysplasias decreased, with exceptions noted in cases of normal histology and adenocarcinoma in situ. Different histologic grades formed five clusters with distinct mean ages and mean biodiversity indices. These findings suggest that HPV genotype richness and the biodiversity of cervical dysplasias may play a crucial role in predicting the risk of high-grade cervical lesions, enabling personalized management of precancers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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10 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of HPV and Assessing Type-Specific HPV Testing in Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions in Poland

by Marcin Przybylski, Dominik Pruski, Katarzyna Wszołek, Mateusz de Mezer, Jakub Żurawski, Robert Jach and Sonja Millert-Kalińska

Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020350 - 19 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

The prevalence and distribution of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in women who underwent screening for cervical cancer in the Wielkopolska region, Poland, were assessed, and the correlation of genotypes with the histological results was evaluated. Cervical samples were collected from 2969 women [...] Read more.

The prevalence and distribution of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in women who underwent screening for cervical cancer in the Wielkopolska region, Poland, were assessed, and the correlation of genotypes with the histological results was evaluated. Cervical samples were collected from 2969 women for cervical cancer screening. Participants were screened by liquid-based cytology and HPV genotyping (n = 1654) and referred to colposcopy and punch biopsy (n = 616) if recommended. HPV genotypes 16, 31, 52, 66, 53, and 51 are the most frequent types in the studied population. Genotypes 16 and 31 account for nearly one-fifth of the infections of diagnosed HPV infections. HPV 16, 31, and 52 are found in nearly 80% of premalignant HSIL lesions (CIN 2 and CIN 3). That leads to the conclusion that vaccination programs should cover as many types of HPV as possible and shows the urgent need to vaccinate the Polish population with a 9-valent vaccine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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11 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cytological Abnormalities in Brazilian Women

by Luis Fernando Lasaro Mangieri, Fernando Cezar-dos-Santos, Kleber Paiva Trugilo, Maria Angelica Ehara Watanabe, Rafaela Roberta de Jaime Curti, Eliza Pizarro Castilha, Sarah Lott Moretto, Caroline Yukari Motoori Fernandes, Janaina Nicolau de Oliveira and Karen Brajão de Oliveira

Pathogens 2023, 12(1), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12010148 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of infections and cytological abnormalities and to investigate possible predisposing factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavioral habits, and gynecological and obstetric backgrounds. Between 2013 and December 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of infections and cytological abnormalities and to investigate possible predisposing factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavioral habits, and gynecological and obstetric backgrounds. Between 2013 and December 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 consenting women, from whom cervical samples were tested for the presence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Susceptibility to HPV infection was assessed by binary logistic regression in light of possible predisposing factors, which were collected using a questionnaire. In our sample population, the prevalence of HPV infection was 49%; high-risk types had a higher prevalence of 89.1%. A larger proportion of HPV-infected women were under 25 years of age, were single, and had monthly incomes up to minimum wage. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that age younger than 25 years increased the odds of infection fivefold, while a monthly income of one to three minimum wages provided protection against HPV infection, even if the women were married or had a cohabiting partner. In the HPV-positive group, squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) occurred more frequently in women who earned up to one minimum wage monthly, but a monthly income of one to three minimum wages protected against the development of SIL. The results suggest that age, marital status, and monthly income are important cofactors for HPV infection and the development of SIL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

10 pages, 1176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

HPV Prevalence and Predictive Biomarkers for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Mexican Patients

by Diego Octavio Reyes-Hernández, Adriana Morán-Torres, Roberto Jimenez-Lima, Ana María Cano-Valdez, Carlo César Cortés-González, Leonardo Josué Castro-Muñoz, Leslie Olmedo-Nieva, Silvia Maldonado-Frías, Nidia Gary Pazos-Salazar, José de Jesús Marín-Aquíno, Alejandro García-Carrancá, Adela Carrillo-García, J. Omar Muñoz-Bello, Marcela Lizano and Joaquín Manzo-Merino

Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11121527 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1684

Abstract

Background: Worldwide prevalence of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased, affecting mostly young males. OPSCC associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection exhibits particular characteristics in terms of response to treatment, hence HPV has been proposed as a prognostic factor. The impact of [...] Read more.

Background: Worldwide prevalence of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased, affecting mostly young males. OPSCC associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection exhibits particular characteristics in terms of response to treatment, hence HPV has been proposed as a prognostic factor. The impact of HPV positivity and associated biomarkers on OPSCC in the Mexican population has not been addressed. Therefore, the analysis of OPSCC prognostic markers in the Mexican population is necessary. Methods: Retrolective study in Mexican OPSCC patients, where HPV prevalence, p16 and EGFR levels were assessed using INNO-LiPA and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found an HPV prevalence of 57.6% in OPSCC cases treated at a reference center in Mexico. HPV and p16 positivity, as well as EGFR, associate with better outcomes in OPSCC patients, and they also promote reduced death risk. Notably, HPV presence and p16 positivity showed a significant association with disease-free survival (DFS), with a HR of 0.15 (p = 0.006) and a HR of 0.17 (p = 0.012), respectively, indicating a possible role as predictive biomarkers in Mexican OPSCC patients. Conclusions: Our results reflect the clinical utility of p16 analysis to improve overall survival (OS) and to predict recurrence in oropharyngeal cancer. These results position p16 and HPV as predictive biomarkers for OPSCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

24 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epidemiology, Molecular Pathogenesis, Immuno-Pathogenesis, Immune Escape Mechanisms and Vaccine Evaluation for HPV-Associated Carcinogenesis

by Meenu Jain, Dhananjay Yadav, Urmila Jarouliya, Vishal Chavda, Arun Kumar Yadav, Bipin Chaurasia and Minseok Song

Pathogens 2023, 12(12), 1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12121380 - 23 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1527

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in over 90% of cervical cancer cases, with factors like regional variability, HPV genotype, the population studied, HPV vaccination status, and anatomical sample collection location influencing the prevalence and pathology of HPV-induced cancer. HPV-16 and -18 are mainly [...] Read more.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in over 90% of cervical cancer cases, with factors like regional variability, HPV genotype, the population studied, HPV vaccination status, and anatomical sample collection location influencing the prevalence and pathology of HPV-induced cancer. HPV-16 and -18 are mainly responsible for the progression of several cancers, including cervix, anus, vagina, penis, vulva, and oropharynx. The oncogenic ability of HPV is not only sufficient for the progression of malignancy, but also for other tumor-generating steps required for the production of invasive cancer, such as coinfection with other viruses, lifestyle factors such as high parity, smoking, tobacco chewing, use of contraceptives for a long time, and immune responses such as stimulation of chronic stromal inflammation and immune deviation in the tumor microenvironment. Viral evasion from immunosurveillance also supports viral persistence, and virus-like particle-based prophylactic vaccines have been licensed, which are effective against high-risk HPV types. In addition, vaccination awareness programs and preventive strategies could help reduce the rate and incidence of HPV infection. In this review, we emphasize HPV infection and its role in cancer progression, molecular and immunopathogenesis, host immune response, immune evasion by HPV, vaccination, and preventive schemes battling HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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24 pages, 2782 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human Papilloma Virus: An Unraveled Enigma of Universal Burden of Malignancies

by Ishrat Khan, R Harshithkumar, Ashwini More and Anupam Mukherjee

Pathogens 2023, 12(4), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12040564 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4829

Abstract

HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, has been the primary causative agent of genital warts and cervical cancer worldwide. It is a sexually transmitted infection mainly affecting women of reproductive age group, also infecting men and high-risk group individuals globally, resulting in high mortality. [...] Read more.

HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, has been the primary causative agent of genital warts and cervical cancer worldwide. It is a sexually transmitted infection mainly affecting women of reproductive age group, also infecting men and high-risk group individuals globally, resulting in high mortality. In recent years, HPV has also been found to be the major culprit behind anogenital cancers in both gender and oropharyngeal and colorectal cancers. Few studies have reported the incidence of HPV in breast cancers as well. For a few decades, the burden of HPV-associated malignancies has been increasing at an alarming rate due to a lack of adequate awareness, famine vaccine coverage and hesitancy. The effectiveness of currently available vaccines has been limited to prophylactic efficacy and does not prevent malignancies associated with post-exposure persistent infection. This review focuses on the current burden of HPV-associated malignancies, their causes and strategies to combat the growing prevalence of the cancers. With the advent of new technologies associated with treatment pertaining to therapeutic interventions and employing effective vaccine coverage, the burden of this disease may be reduced in the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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12 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Preventing Persistence of HPV Infection with Natural Molecules

by Antonio Simone Laganà, Vito Chiantera, Sandro Gerli, Sara Proietti, Elisa Lepore, Vittorio Unfer, Jose Carugno and Alessandro Favilli

Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030416 - 06 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7091

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. In most cases, the infection is temporary and asymptomatic; however, when persistent, it may lead to lesions that can evolve into cancer in both women and men. Nowadays, prophylactic vaccination [...] Read more.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. In most cases, the infection is temporary and asymptomatic; however, when persistent, it may lead to lesions that can evolve into cancer in both women and men. Nowadays, prophylactic vaccination is the primary preventive strategy for HPV infections, but vaccines do not cover all types of HPV strains. Scientific research has uncovered the beneficial role of some natural supplements in preventing persistent HPV infections or treating HPV-related lesions. We review the current insight into the roles of natural molecules in HPV infection with a special focus on epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), folic acid, vitamin B12, and hyaluronic acid (HA). Specifically, EGCG from green tea extracts plays a critical role in suppressing HPV oncogenes and oncoproteins (E6/E7), which are responsible for HPV oncogenic activity and cancer development. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential vitamins for multiple functions in the body, and accumulating evidence suggests their importance in maintaining a high degree of methylation of the HPV genome, thus decreasing the likelihood of causing malignant lesions. HA, due to its re-epithelizing property, may prevent HPV virus entry in damaged mucosa and epithelia. Thereby, based on these premises, the combination of EGCG, folic acid, vitamin B12, and HA may be a very promising therapeutic approach to prevent HPV persistence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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16 pages, 1329 KiB

Open AccessReview

Targeting Mitochondrial Therapy in the Regulation of HPV Infection and HPV-Related Cancers

by Alfredo Cruz-Gregorio, Ana Karina Aranda-Rivera, Giovanni N. Roviello and José Pedraza-Chaverri

Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030402 - 02 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2315

Abstract

It has been previously proposed that some types of cancer cells reprogram their metabolic pathways, favoring the metabolism of glucose by aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) instead of oxidative phosphorylation, mainly because the mitochondria of these cells are damaged, thus displaying mitochondrial dysfunction. However, [...] Read more.

It has been previously proposed that some types of cancer cells reprogram their metabolic pathways, favoring the metabolism of glucose by aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) instead of oxidative phosphorylation, mainly because the mitochondria of these cells are damaged, thus displaying mitochondrial dysfunction. However, in several cancers, the mitochondria do not exhibit any dysfunction and are also necessary for the tumor’s growth and maintenance. Remarkably, if the mitochondria are dysfunctional, specific processes associated with the release of cytochrome c (cyt c), such as apoptosis, are significantly impaired. In these cases, cellular biotherapies such as mitochondrial transplantation could restore the intrinsic apoptotic processes necessary for the elimination of cancers. On the other hand, if the mitochondria are in good shape, drugs that target the mitochondria are a valid option for treating the related cancers. Famously, the mitochondria are targeted by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV-related cancers depend on the host’s mitochondria for their development and progression. On the other hand, the mitochondria are also important during treatment, such as chemotherapy, since they are key organelles for the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which significantly increases cell death due to the presence of oxidative stress (OS). In this way, the mitochondria in HPV infection and in the development of HPV-related cancer could be targeted to reduce or eliminate HPV infections or HPV-related cancers. To our knowledge, there was no previous review specifically focusing on this topic, so this work aimed to summarize for the first time the potential use of mitochondria-targeting drugs, providing molecular insights on the main therapeutics developed so far in HPV infection and HPV-related cancer. Thus, we reviewed the mechanisms associated with HPV-related cancers, with their early proteins and mitochondrial apoptosis specifically induced by different compounds or drugs, in which these molecules induce the production of ROS, the activation of proapoptotic proteins, the deactivation of antiapoptotic proteins, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), cyt c release, and the activation of caspases, which are all events which lead to the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This makes these compounds and drugs potential anticancer therapeutics that target the mitochondria and could be exploited in future biomedical strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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12 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Molecular Pathogenesis, Pathogen Association, and Therapeutic Strategies against HPV Infection

by Anirban Goutam Mukherjee, Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari, Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan, Sandra Kannampuzha, Reshma Murali, Arunraj Namachivayam, Raja Ganesan, Kaviyarasi Renu, Abhijit Dey, Balachandar Vellingiri and D. S. Prabakaran

Pathogens 2023, 12(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12010025 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2477

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV), commonly documented as the cause of warts, has gained much interest recently due to its possible links to several types of cancer. HPV infection is discussed in this review from multiple angles, including its virology, epidemiology, etiology, immunology, clinical [...] Read more.

The human papillomavirus (HPV), commonly documented as the cause of warts, has gained much interest recently due to its possible links to several types of cancer. HPV infection is discussed in this review from multiple angles, including its virology, epidemiology, etiology, immunology, clinical symptoms, and treatment. Recent breakthroughs in molecular biology have led to the development of new methods for detecting and treating HPV in tissue. There is no cure for HPV, and although vaccines are available to prevent infection with the most common HPV viruses, their utilization is limited. Destruction and excision are the primary treatment modalities. This review sheds light on the epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, the association of several other pathogens with HPV, the latest treatment strategies available to treat the same, and an overview of the progress made and the obstacles still to be overcome in the fight against HPV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

19 pages, 2350 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Variability of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus and Associated Factors among Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Michel Carlos Tommo Tchouaket, Aude Christelle Ka’e, Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni Semengue, Samuel Martin Sosso, Rachel Kamgaing Simo, Bouba Yagai, Alex Durand Nka, Collins Ambe Chenwi, Aissatou Abba, Nadine Fainguem, Carlo-Federico Perno, Vittorio Colizzi and Joseph Fokam

Pathogens 2023, 12(8), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12081032 - 11 Aug 2023

Viewed by 842

Abstract

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) carries the highest burden of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in the world, driven by, and together with, HIV infection. This systematic review aimed to identify HR-HPV genotypes and their associated factors among women in SSA. Methods: A systematic review [...] Read more.

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) carries the highest burden of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in the world, driven by, and together with, HIV infection. This systematic review aimed to identify HR-HPV genotypes and their associated factors among women in SSA. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted in SSA on HR-HPV was conducted. Standard electronic databases were searched. R software version 3.6.0 was used for meta-analysis, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: We included 28 articles with a total of 22,652 participants. The overall pooled prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes was 55.13%, albeit high heterogeneity between studies. The overall pooled prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes in HIV-positive individuals was 75.51%, compared to 52.97% in HIV-negatives (OR = 4.68 (0.71–30.76)). HPV 16 (18%), 35 (10.12%), 52 (9.98%), 18 (9.7%) and 45 (6.82%) genotypes were the most prevalent. Twelve studies identified the most frequently reported risk factors associated with HR-HPV, with HIV infection (66.66%), multiple sexual partners (41.66%) and young age (41.66%) being the most reported risk factors. Conclusions: The combined prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes among women in general and HIV-infected women in particular remains high in SSA. The presence of several genotypes not covered by the vaccine is remarkable and suggests the need for revision of current vaccination policies to prevent HR-HPV infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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11 pages, 1121 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

The Burden of HPV-Related Hospitalizations: Analysis of Hospital Discharge Records from the Years 2015–2021 from a Southern Italian Region

by Giuseppe Di Martino, Fabrizio Cedrone, Pamela Di Giovanni, Livia Tognaccini, Edoardo Trebbi, Ferdinando Romano and Tommaso Staniscia

Pathogens 2023, 12(5), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12050725 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1183

Abstract

(1) Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common agent related to sexually transmitted infections in the general population. Its genotypes are classified into two main classes, high-risk genotypes and low-risk genotypes, according to their capacity to induce cancers. The low-risk class [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common agent related to sexually transmitted infections in the general population. Its genotypes are classified into two main classes, high-risk genotypes and low-risk genotypes, according to their capacity to induce cancers. The low-risk class (types 6 and 11) is associated with anogenital and genital lesions. The high-risk class is responsible for up to 4.5% of all new cancer cases yearly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of HPV-related hospitalizations and its trend in a southern Italian region for the years 2015–2021. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective study performed in the Abruzzo region, Italy. All admissions for the period 2015–2021 were extracted from the hospital discharge record (HDR). (3) Results: During the study period (2015–2021), a total of 5492 hospitalizations attributable to HPV infection occurred in the Abruzzo region, Italy. A significant number of admissions were related to cervical cancer (3386 cases) and genital warts (638 cases). The trend declined for all diagnoses except for penile cancer admissions. Considering the first year of the pandemic (year 2020), a decrease in the standardized incidence of the majority of the diseases considered was reported, particularly among cases of cervical cancer. (4) Conclusions: HPV-related hospitalizations decreased in Abruzzo during study period. These results could be useful to LHAs and policy-makers in improving vaccination coverage and screening adherence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

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