The Burden of Genital Warts In Latin America: A Review of the Evidence

Abstract

Objectives: Current country-specific incidence, prevalence, and resource utilization data on genital warts (GW) are sparse and not systematically collected in Latin American countries. The objective of this review is to describe the burden of genital warts in Latin America. Methods: Systematic review of published biomedical literature in Primo Search, a tool for searching published scientific and business literature, and abstracts of relevant conferences that have reported the incidence or prevalence of GW or the healthcare resource cost per GW-related episode of care in Latin American countries in the last 15 years. References from review articles were also selected. Results: Fourteen studies reporting data from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru were reviewed. Reported prevalence estimates of genital warts in Latin America range from 1.6% to 5.5% and incidence estimates range from 1,100 to 3,690 per 100,000. These prevalence and incidence estimates are higher than those reported in systematic literature reviews, that range from 0.019% to 17% and 160 to 289 per 100,000, respectively. Studies vary in methodological design and inherent bias; therefore estimates may not be gener-alizable to overall populations. The estimated cost per GW-related episode of care ranges from nearly $133 to $534 in males to $142 to $720 in females. ConClusions: The burden of genital warts in Latin America seems to be substantial and may represent considerable morbidity and cost to the population. Further studies are needed to continue understanding and characterizing the burden of GW and the need to implement preventive strategies, such as vaccination and patient education and counseling, in Latin America.