Prevalence of HPV in Adolescents Virgins and Sexually Active at a University Hospital in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common worldwide, with especially alarming numbers in Brazil. Among the most common infections is human papillomavirus (HPV). The possibility of the nonsexual transmission of HPV is not well defined and is the subject of debate. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of HPV in adolescents with no history of sexual intercourse compared with a group of similar age with sexual activity. 100 adolescents were evaluated with at least two years after menarche, who attended from January 2007 to January 2009 at the University Hospital Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Among the adolescents, 50 had intact hymen and 50 reported regular sexual activity. For patients without sexual intercourse (group 1) we collected material from vestibule and for patients with sexual activity (group 2) we collected material from vagina and endocervix. The search for HPV-DNA 2nd generation hybrid capture (hC2) was performed. In group 1 the test was positive in 3 cases (6%). In the second group, 33 cases (66%) were positive for at least one site. The positivity in girls with sexual activity is high. On the other hand, the HPV infection, although rare, may occur in girls without sexual intercourse.