Prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in sexually active adolescents and young women in England, prior to widespread HPV immunisation

Abstract

Prior to HPV immunisation, there was a high prevalence of HPV infections in the lower genital tract of young, sexually active females in England. The overall, type-specific, and multiple infection prevalence closely reflected age and sexual activity. These data provide a baseline against which the early impact of HPV immunisation on the prevalence of HPV 16/18 and closely related types in young women can be measured, in order to inform immunisation and cervical screening policies.