Publications
2026
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Real-world implementation and acceptability of HPV self-sampling in routine cervical screening: Addressing methodological considerations
No abstract -
Evidence for type replacement as a consequence of vaccination and implications for cervical screening
The success of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in reducing disease burden came with an epidemiological concern: HPV type replacement, the potential compensatory increase of nonvaccine targeted HPV types following the elimination of HPV16 and 18. Postvaccination surveillance across several countries suggests some signs of increase in the nonvaccine targeted HPV types, which may be explainable because of type replacement. However, should HPV type replacement be occurring, it is... -
Association of HLA-G alleles with type-specific HPV seropositivity and seropersistence in unvaccinated women: A prospective cohort study
CONCLUSIONS: HLA-G alleles and genotypes may influence seropositivity and seropersistence to L1 antigen of both low-risk HPV11 and high-risk HPV16 genotypes. Given study limitations, these findings should be considered exploratory, and further research is warranted to establish the detailed mechanisms by which HLA-G influences HPV-related humoral immunity and disease outcomes. -
Host characteristics and genotype-specific risks of human papillomavirus in cervical cancer screening (reply to letter to the editor)
No abstract -
Improving cervical screening risk stratification through extended human papillomavirus genotyping and age-specific data
High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) screening effectively reduces cervical cancer incidence, but limited specificity leads to excessive colposcopy referrals. Extended HR-HPV genotyping improves triage by accounting for genotype-specific oncogenic risks, offering a more precise framework for patient management than traditional pooled testing. This study analysed real-world screening data from a Finnish cohort of 2368 HR-HPV-positive women (Tampere region, 2017-2019) with up to 6.5 years of... -
Long-term safety of human papillomavirus vaccination in relation to early pregnancy outcomes: registry-based follow-up of a community-randomized trial
Despite the demonstrated safety of human papillomavirus vaccines, concerns have arisen regarding potential associations of human papillomavirus vaccination on reproductive health. The objective of this registry-based study was to compare overtime association of vaccination and early pregnancy outcomes. Twenty thousand four hundred twenty-six women born in 1992-1995, who participated in a Finnish community-randomized human papillomavirus vaccination trial, and age- and community-aligned... -
Seroprevalence and stability of IgG antibodies to WU polyomavirus and human polyomavirus 6 among Finnish couples during a prospective follow-up
Although WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) and human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) are widespread in adults, the long-term serological responses to these infections have not been systematically characterized. To address this gap, we assessed seroprevalence and IgG antibody stability of WUPyV and HPyV6 using data from the Finnish Family HPV (FFHPV) study, initiated in 1998. The cohort included 318 women in their third trimester of pregnancy and 133 male spouses, with follow-up samples available from 281 women and... -
Introducing self-sampling for cervical cancer screening: A regional implementation study in Pirkanmaa, Finland
CONCLUSION: Despite the small number of participants in this first year, the study offers early evidence of the strong acceptability and practicality of self-sampling among women in Pirkanmaa, warranting further evaluation at a larger scale. -
Epstein-Barr virus serology in relation to the outcomes of oral and genital human papillomavirus infections in women during 3-year follow-up
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are common oncoviruses that infect similar anatomical sites, persist as latent infections, and contribute to oncogenesis. However, the role of EBV as a cofactor in HPV infection outcomes remains unclear. This study assessed the implications of EBV serology on oral and genital HPV infections in a longitudinal setting. The study included 280 women from the Finnish Family HPV cohort, followed for three years. Oral, genital, and blood samples... -
Persistent human papillomavirus following mild cytology at screening: implications for age-stratified follow-up and triage
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections predispose to long follow-ups in cervical cancer screening. We aimed to examine the role of different persistent hrHPV genotypes in causing cervical disease in long-term follow-up. This study included 76 482 women who participated in Finland's national cervical cancer screening program in the Tampere region between 2012 and 2023. Partial HPV genotyping identified HPV16, HPV18, and 12 other hrHPV-types. Participants were grouped by age:...
2025
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Interactions of Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among couples
BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted pathogen infecting the uterine cervix and causing pelvic inflammatory disease in women. Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infections are important etiological agents in cervical and oral carcinogenesis. The potential interactions between M. genitalium- and HPV infections are incompletely studied. METHODS: This study included 329 women and 135 of their male partners in the prospective Finnish Family HPV study, followed... -
Induced abortion rates among women vaccinated against human papillomavirus: Registry-based follow-up of a community-randomized trial
CONCLUSIONS: HPV-vaccinated had lower induced abortion rates than unvaccinated individuals. When further developing HPV-vaccination programs, simultaneous sexual health education should be considered to comprehensively improve the reproductive health of adolescents. -
Epstein-Barr Virus Serology Associated With Persistent Oral Human Papillomavirus Infections in Men
CONCLUSIONS: Most of the participants were EBV-seropositive as expected. Elevated EA-D antibody levels and being EBV-seropositive with high titers significantly increased the risk of type-specific oral HPV persistence among these men. -
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology and its impact on oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection outcomes in children during early childhood
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and various human papillomaviruses (HPVs) commonly infect the oral mucosa, yet the longitudinal effects of these infections and their potential coinfections remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether early EBV infection and antibody responses influence oral HPV infections in young children. We included 283 children from the Finnish Family HPV cohort study, who were followed for 3 years post-birth. Oral and blood samples were collected at six time points... -
Maternal-fetal transfer and longitudinal trends of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium in early childhood
CONCLUSIONS: Both C. trachomatis and M. genitalium IgG antibodies are transferred from the mother to her offspring during pregnancy; similarly, this is shown for nearly all maternal IgG antibodies. Seroconversion for both C. trachomatis and M. genitalium in early childhood was a rare event. Further studies are required to elucidate the significance of C. trachomatis and M. genitalium antibodies acquired in early life. -
Helicobacter pylori multiplex serology and its dynamics within families during a 3-year prospective follow-up
CONCLUSIONS: Our results perfectly agree with a recently published register-linkage study from Finland, where Hp and Hp-related co-morbidity are predicted to disappear among the native Finns during the 21^(st) century. -
Predictors for regression and progression of actively surveilled cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2: A prospective cohort study
CONCLUSIONS: The majority of CIN2 lesions regress in young women. Women with large lesions and/or high-grade referral cytology should perhaps more often be treated instead of active surveillance. Initial hrHPV genotype does not appear to predict outcomes while not harboring hrHPV favors regression. -
Risk factors associated with IgG seropersistence to <em>Chlamydia trachomatis</em> and <em>Mycoplasma genitalium</em>
Sexually transmitted infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) have significant implications both at the individual and societal levels. Our study evaluated various co-factors associated with persistent serum IgG-antibodies to Ct and Mg. Three hundred and twenty nine pregnant women and 135 men from the Finnish Family HPV study were analyzed for serum IgG-antibodies of pGP3 for Ct and MgPa and rMgPa for Mg using multiplex serology. Seropersistence to both Ct...
2024
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COVID-19 pandemic impact on gynecologic cancer treatment pathways in a Finnish tertiary center
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly alter treatment pathways in gynecologic cancer care at Tampere University Hospital. The number of new patients and given treatments remained relatively stable. During COVID, access from referral to cancer treatment was significantly accelerated, which is likely confounded by changes to the multidisciplinary team protocol made in early 2021. -
Serum Immunoglobulin G Antibodies to Human Papillomavirus Type 6 L1, E2, E4, E6, and E7 Proteins Among Children Prospectively Followed up for 3 Years
CONCLUSIONS: IgG antibodies against HPV-6 E and L proteins are transferred from mothers to their children. Seroconversion against HPV-6 L1, E2, E4, E6, and E7 does occur in early childhood, as a sign of acquired HPV-6 infection by vertical or horizontal transmission starting at 12 months of age. -
Low methylation marker levels among human papillomavirus-vaccinated women with cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
Cervical cancer screening programs, including triage tests, need redesigning as human papillomavirus (HPV)-vaccinated women are entering the programs. Methylation markers offer a potential solution to reduce false-positive rates by identifying clinically relevant cervical lesions with progressive potential. In a nested case-control study, 9242 women who received the three-dose HPV16/18-vaccine at ages 12-15 or 18 in a community-randomized trial were included. Subsequently, they were... -
Impact of Different Cofactors on Naturally Acquired Human Papillomavirus Antibody Levels Among Unvaccinated Pregnant Women
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common, transmitted by sexual and nonsexual routes. The present case-control setting was designed to examine potential cofactors associated with either persistently low or high HPV-antibody levels. The study subjects were from the Finnish HPV Family cohort of 329 baseline pregnant, non-HPV-vaccinated women, who were sampled for genital and oral HPV-DNA and HPV serology at baseline, and at 12, 24, and 36 months. Antibodies to the L1 major capsid protein... -
The quality of life of frequently vs. infrequently screened HPV vaccinated women
CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the QoL of HPV vaccinated women between the two CC screening arms. Women were mostly satisfied with the screening experience despite the screening frequency. This information is important for the future screening program planning as we need to reach the best possible balance with screening benefits and harms. -
Human Papillomavirus Concordance Between Parents and Their Newborn Offspring: Results From the Finnish Family Human Papillomavirus Study
CONCLUSIONS: The genotype-specific HPV concordance between parents and their newborn is suggestive for vertical HPV transmission. However, transmission from the father to the newborn remains more uncertain.
2023
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Ecological diversity profiles of non-vaccine-targeted HPVs after gender-based community vaccination efforts
The long-term effect of population-level human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on the viral ecology of the untargeted HPVs is poorly understood. We performed an 8-year follow-up of 33 communities randomized to gender-neutral HPV16/18 vaccination, girls-only HPV16/18 vaccination, and control communities without HPV vaccination. The 1992/93 and 1994 birth cohorts were invited in school years 2007/8 and 2008/9. Follow-up cervico-vaginal sampling at 18 and 22 years of age, 4 and 8 years... -
Added value of electrical impedance spectroscopy in adjunction of colposcopy: a prospective cohort study
CONCLUSIONS: Colposcopy with EIS had overall higher sensitivity but lower specificity to detect CIN2+ than conventional colposcopy. CIN2+ prevalence rates were, however, not consistently higher in the EIS cohort, suggesting innate differences between the cohorts or truly lower detection rates of CIN2+ for EIS, highlighting the need for randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of EIS. -
IgG Seroreactivites to Viral Capsid Protein VP1 of JC and BK Polyomaviruses in Children at Early Ages with Special Reference to Parental Cofactors
BK (BKPyV) and JC (JCPyV) polyomaviruses are widespread in humans. Transmission at an early age and the role of parents in spreading these viruses through the family are incompletely understood. Our aim was to determine the seroprevalence of BKPyV and JCPyV in infants at the age of 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months and to assess the frequency of BKPyV and JCPyV seroconversion. A variety of maternal and paternal covariates were also tested as potential predictors of these early childhood infections.... -
Effect of a Second Pregnancy on the HPV Serology in Mothers Followed Up in the Finnish Family HPV Study
The impact of pregnancy on human papillomavirus (HPV) natural antibody levels is not fully understood. We tested the seroprevalence and levels of HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 and 45 antibodies at different time points among 89 women with a second pregnancy and 238 nonpregnant women during their 36-month followup. All participants were unvaccinated for HPV and pregnant at the enrollment of the study. Serum samples were collected from the mothers at baseline and at the 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month... -
HLA-G Alleles Impact the Perinatal Father-Child HPV Transmission
The host factors that influence father-to-child human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission remain unknown. This study evaluated whether human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G alleles are important in father-to-child HPV transmission during the perinatal period. Altogether, 134 father-newborn pairs from the Finnish Family HPV Study were included. Oral, semen and urethral samples from the fathers were collected before the delivery, and oral samples were collected from their offspring at delivery and... -
Human polyomavirus BKPyV and JCPyV serostatus has no impact on women´s human papillomavirus infection outcome
INTRODUCTION: Polyomaviruses have both structural and functional similarities with papillomaviruses. Accordingly, their role in human papillomavirus (HPV) associated malignancies has been studied with conflicting results. Our goal was to disclose any association between BK (BKPyV) and/or JC (JCPyV) polyomavirus serology and HPV data derived from Finnish women (327) in a 6-year prospective follow-up. -
Human Papillomavirus Intermittence and Risk Factors Associated With First Detections and Redetections in the Ludwig-McGill Cohort Study of Adult Women
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest many HPV redetections were likely reactivations of latent recurring infections. -
Seroprevalence of polyomaviruses BK and JC in Finnish women and their spouses followed-up for three years
BK (BKPyV) and JC (JCPyV) polyomavirus infections are commonly subclinical and known infrequently to cause serious clinical diseases. Longitudinal follow-up studies regarding JCPyV and BKPyV serological outcomes are scanty. We analyzed JCPyV and BKPyV IgG-antibodies in 327 pregnant women and their 132 spouses, enrolled in the longitudinal Finnish Family HPV cohort at Turku University Hospital, Finland. Blood samples taken at baseline, and at 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up visits were analyzed... -
A synthesis of evidence for cancer-specific screening interventions: A Preventive Medicine Golden Jubilee Review
The goal of cancer screening guidelines is to inform health practitioners to practice evidence-based cancer prevention. Cancer screening aims to detect treatable precancerous lesions or early-stage disease to enable actions aimed at decreasing morbidity and mortality. Continuous assessment of the available evidence for or against screening interventions by various organizations often results in conflicting recommendations and create challenges for providers and policymakers. Here we have... -
Genotyping and Cytology Triage of High-Risk HPV DNA Positive Women for Detection of Cervical High-Grade Lesions
CONCLUSION: Partial genotyping as an additional triage strategy to cytology can markedly improve clinical diagnostic performance.
2022
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A synthesis of evidence for cancer-specific screening interventions: A Preventive Medicine Golden Jubilee Review
The goal of cancer screening guidelines is to inform health practitioners to practice evidence-based cancer prevention. Cancer screening aims to detect treatable precancerous lesions or early-stage disease to enable actions aimed at decreasing morbidity and mortality. Continuous assessment of the available evidence for or against screening interventions by various organizations often results in conflicting recommendations and create challenges for providers and policymakers. Here we have... -
Peripheral Blood T-lymphocyte Phenotypes in Mother-Child Pairs Stratified by the Maternal HPV Status: Persistent HPV16 vs. HPV-Negative: A Case-Control Study
Only few studies exist on the phenotype distribution of peripheral blood lymphocytes concerning persistent oral HPV infection. T-lymphocyte subsets were phenotyped in women who had persistent genital or oral HPV16 infection, using HPV-negative women as a reference group. A subset of 42 mothers and their children (n = 28), were stratified into two groups according to the mothers' HPV status. PBMCs from previously cryopreserved venous samples were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry. Proportions of... -
Longitudinal Dynamics of HPV16 Antibodies in Saliva and Serum among Pregnant Women
Oral infections with high-risk (hr)HPV genotypes are associated with a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Oral hrHPV infections may result from having oral sex, but also from horizontal infection from mouth to mouth. In such cases, saliva can serve as a vehicle for HPV transmission. Still, the prevalence and dynamics of salivary HPV antibodies in healthy non-vaccinated individuals are poorly known and the role of the salivary antibodies in protection from oral HPV infection is... -
Genotyping and Cytology Triage of High-Risk HPV DNA Positive Women for Detection of Cervical High-Grade Lesions
CONCLUSION: Partial genotyping as an additional triage strategy to cytology can markedly improve clinical diagnostic performance. -
Assessing the risk of cervical neoplasia in the post-HPV vaccination era
This review is based on the recent EUROGIN scientific session: "Assessing risk of cervical cancer in the post-vaccination era," which addressed the demands of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)/squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) triage now that the prevalence of vaccine-targeted oncogenic high-risk (hr) human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is decreasing. Change in the prevalence distribution of oncogenic HPV types that follows national HPV vaccination programs is setting the stage for loss of... -
Outcomes of HPV type-specific serostatus do not associate with oral or genital HPV-carriage in non-vaccinated women followed for three years
CONCLUSION: No significant role was disclosed for the acquired natural high-level- or persistent HPV antibodies as determinants of the genital or oral HPV infection outcomes in these young, non-vaccinated women. -
In 30 years, gender-neutral vaccination eradicates oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types while screening eliminates HPV-associated cancers
No abstract -
Role of Human Leukocyte Antigen Allele Sharing in Human Papillomavirus Infection Transmission Among Heterosexual Couples: Findings From the HITCH Cohort Study
CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that the extent of HLA allele concordance influences the likelihood of HPV transmission in newly formed heterosexual couples. -
Maternal HPV-antibodies and seroconversion to HPV in children during the first 3 years of life
To assess the dynamics of human papillomavirus (HPV) serology, we analyzed HPV6-,11-,16-,18-, and 45 antibodies in infants during the first 36 months of their life. Serial serum samples of 276/327 mother-child pairs were collected at baseline (mothers) and at months 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 36 (offspring), and tested for HPVL1-antibodies using the GST-L1 assay. Concordance between maternal and infant HPV-antibody levels remained high until month-6 (p < = 0.001), indicating maternal antibody transfer.... -
The association of HLA-G polymorphism with oral and genital HPV infection in men
The host genetic factors that influence the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men are not well known. Our aim was to evaluate the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G polymorphism in oral and genital HPV infection in men. Altogether, 130 men from the Finnish Family HPV Study, with a 6-year follow-up, were included in the analyses. HLA-G alleles were tested by direct sequencing. Oral, urethral, and semen samples were collected and analyzed for 24 different HPV...
2021
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The association of HLA-G polymorphism with oral and genital HPV infection in men
The host genetic factors that influence the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men are not well known. Our aim was to evaluate the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G polymorphism in oral and genital HPV infection in men. Altogether, 130 men from the Finnish Family HPV Study, with a 6-year follow-up, were included in the analyses. HLA-G alleles were tested by direct sequencing. Oral, urethral, and semen samples were collected and analyzed for 24 different HPV... -
HLA-G polymorphism impacts the outcome of oral HPV infections in women
CONCLUSIONS: The host HLA-G genotypes appear to impact the outcomes of oral HPV infections in women but have little if any effect on genital HPV status or infection outcomes. -
Distribution of HPV Genotypes Differs Depending on Behavioural Factors among Young Women
Risk factors for the different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes are not well understood, although the risk of cancer is known to vary among them. Our aim was to evaluate the association of diverse behavioral and reproductive factors with genotype-specific HPV prevalence among 879 unvaccinated women aged 18-75 years referred to the colposcopy clinic at Helsinki University Hospital in Finland. Cervical swabs for HPV genotyping were collected in the first visit and assessed for 34 high-risk... -
Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection in Children during the First 6 Years of Life, Finland
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are found in children, but transmission modes and outcomes are incompletely understood. We evaluated oral samples from 331 children in Finland who participated in the Finnish Family HPV Study from birth during 9 follow-up visits (mean time 51.9 months). We tested samples for 24 HPV genotypes. Oral HPV prevalence for children varied from 8.7% (at a 36-month visit) to 22.8% (at birth), and 18 HPV genotypes were identified. HPV16 was the most prevalent type to... -
Determinants of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake by Adult Women Attending Cervical Cancer Screening in 9 European Countries
CONCLUSIONS: Acceptance and schedule completion were largely dependent on recruitment method, achieved coverage of national vaccination programs, and personal relationship status. Knowledge of benefits and safety reassurance may be critical to expanding vaccination target ages. Study results suggest that there are no major opinion barriers in adult women to human papillomavirus vaccination, especially when vaccination is offered face to face in healthcare settings.
2020
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Baseline findings and safety of infrequent vs. frequent screening of human papillomavirus vaccinated women
Less frequent cervical cancer screening in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinated birth cohorts could produce considerable savings without increasing cervical cancer incidence and loss of life-years. We report here the baseline findings and interim results of safety and accuracy of infrequent screening among HPV16/18 vaccinated females. The entire 1992-1994 birth-cohorts (30,139 females) were invited to a community-randomized HPV16/18-vaccination trial. A total of 9,482 female trial participants... -
Viral load of human papillomavirus types 16/18/31/33/45 as a predictor of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer by age
CONCLUSIONS: HPV viral load has lower diagnostic accuracy than has been reported for other HPV screening triage tests. However, it may be useful for triaging HPV tests in settings without cytology results such as HPV self-sampling. -
Age-specific HPV type distribution in high-grade cervical disease in screened and unvaccinated women
CONCLUSIONS: Pre-vaccination HPV type distribution in HSIL+ was distinctly polarised by age with HPV16/18 attributed disease being markedly more prevalent in women aged <30. In the older women the other hrHPV types, however, dominated suggesting a need for more age-dependent screening strategies. -
Human Papillomavirus Viral Load and Transmission in Young, Recently Formed Heterosexual Couples
CONCLUSIONS: Persistent HPV infections have limited VL fluctuations. VL between sex partners are correlated and seem predictive of transmission episodes. -
Predictive Value of HPV Testing in Self-collected and Clinician-Collected Samples Compared with Cytology in Detecting High-grade Cervical Lesions
CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that HPV self-sampling has comparable performance with a physician-collected sample in detecting cervical lesions. -
From HPV Infection to Lesion Progression: The Role of HLA Alleles and Host Immunity
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been associated with increased risk for cervical precancerous lesions and cancer. The host's genetic variability is known to play a role in the development of cervical cancer. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are highly polymorphic and have shown to be important risk determinants of HPV infection persistence and disease progression. HLA class I and II cell surface molecules regulate the host's immune system by presenting... -
Hand-to-genital and genital-to-genital transmission of human papillomaviruses between male and female sexual partners (HITCH): a prospective cohort study
BACKGROUND: Hand-to-genital contact is hypothesised to be a transmission mode of human papillomavirus (HPV) of the Alphapapillomavirus genus. We compared the relative importance of hand-to-genital and genital-to-genital HPV transmission between sexual partners.
2019
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Baseline findings and safety of infrequent vs. frequent screening of human papillomavirus vaccinated women
Less frequent cervical cancer screening in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinated birth cohorts could produce considerable savings without increasing cervical cancer incidence and loss of life-years. We report here the baseline findings and interim results of safety and accuracy of infrequent screening among HPV16/18 vaccinated females. The entire 1992-1994 birth-cohorts (30,139 females) were invited to a community-randomized HPV16/18-vaccination trial. A total of 9,482 female trial participants... -
Viral load of human papillomavirus types 16/18/31/33/45 as a predictor of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer by age
CONCLUSIONS: HPV viral load has lower diagnostic accuracy than has been reported for other HPV screening triage tests. However, it may be useful for triaging HPV tests in settings without cytology results such as HPV self-sampling. -
Age-specific HPV type distribution in high-grade cervical disease in screened and unvaccinated women
CONCLUSIONS: Pre-vaccination HPV type distribution in HSIL+ was distinctly polarised by age with HPV16/18 attributed disease being markedly more prevalent in women aged <30. In the older women the other hrHPV types, however, dominated suggesting a need for more age-dependent screening strategies. -
Human Papillomavirus Viral Load and Transmission in Young, Recently Formed Heterosexual Couples
CONCLUSIONS: Persistent HPV infections have limited VL fluctuations. VL between sex partners are correlated and seem predictive of transmission episodes. -
Predictive Value of HPV Testing in Self-collected and Clinician-Collected Samples Compared with Cytology in Detecting High-grade Cervical Lesions
CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that HPV self-sampling has comparable performance with a physician-collected sample in detecting cervical lesions. -
From HPV Infection to Lesion Progression: The Role of HLA Alleles and Host Immunity
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been associated with increased risk for cervical precancerous lesions and cancer. The host's genetic variability is known to play a role in the development of cervical cancer. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are highly polymorphic and have shown to be important risk determinants of HPV infection persistence and disease progression. HLA class I and II cell surface molecules regulate the host's immune system by presenting... -
Hand-to-genital and genital-to-genital transmission of human papillomaviruses between male and female sexual partners (HITCH): a prospective cohort study
BACKGROUND: Hand-to-genital contact is hypothesised to be a transmission mode of human papillomavirus (HPV) of the Alphapapillomavirus genus. We compared the relative importance of hand-to-genital and genital-to-genital HPV transmission between sexual partners.
2018
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Validation of a new HPV self-sampling device for cervical cancer screening: The Cervical and Self-Sample In Screening (CASSIS) study
CONCLUSIONS: The HerSwab™ had good agreement with physician sampling in detecting HPV, and adequate performance in detecting high-grade lesions among women referred to colposcopy for abnormal cytology. -
HLA-G and vertical mother-to-child transmission of human papillomavirus infection
Role of host factors in transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV)-infection from mother to her offspring is not known. Our aim was to study whether human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G allele concordance among the mother-child pairs could facilitate vertical transmission of HPV, because HLA-G may contribute to immune tolerance in pregnancy. Altogether, 310 mother-child pairs were included from the Finnish Family HPV study. Overall, nine different HLA-G alleles were identified. The HLA-G genotype... -
Clinical course of untreated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 under active surveillance: systematic review and meta-analysis
CONCLUSIONS: Most CIN2 lesions, particularly in young women (<30 years), regress spontaneously. Active surveillance, rather than immediate intervention, is therefore justified, especially among young women who are likely to adhere to monitoring. -
Characterisation of the novel HLA-G null allele, HLA-G*01:21N, in Finnish individuals
We identified the novel HLA-G*01:21N null allele in Finnish Caucasian individuals.