HPV Serology Testing Confirms High HPV Immunisation Coverage in England

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Public Health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage in England is reported as high, especially for girls vaccinated at 12 years.
• Serological surveillance offers a method to validate reported HPV vaccination coverage and analyze temporal trends in serological markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate reported HPV vaccination coverage in England using serological data.
• To investigate variations in HPV serological markers and their relationship with vaccination status and age.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from females aged 15-19 years (2010-2011) were tested for anti-HPV16 and HPV18 IgG antibodies using ELISA.
• Participants were classified based on serological results: seronegative, probable natural infection, probable vaccine-induced seropositivity, or possible natural/vaccine-induced seropositivity.
• The proportion of vaccine-induced seropositivity was compared against reported vaccination coverage data.

Main Results:

• Out of 2146 specimens, 1380 (64%) were seropositive for both HPV16 and HPV18, and 159 (7.4%) for a single type.
• Females with dual-type positivity exhibited significantly higher IgG concentrations than single-type positives.
• Approximately 62% (1320 females) showed probable vaccine-induced seropositivity, with antibody concentrations decreasing with age at vaccination and time since vaccination.

Conclusions:

• The proportion of vaccine-induced seropositivity closely matched reported 3-dose coverage for younger vaccinees, with discrepancies noted in older age groups.
• This suggests potential under-reporting of immunizations in older females or that partial vaccination regimens (1-2 doses) induce robust antibody responses in adolescents (13-17 years).