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COVID-19

Post-Pandemic Rebound of High-Risk HPV Infections in Shanghai

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Tongji University have uncovered a post-pandemic rebound of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections among women in Shanghai. The study, which analyzed data from 2013 to early 2024, found that the weighted hrHPV positivity rate declined during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels by early 2024. The findings highlight the urgent need for sustained surveillance and age-specific prevention strategies to mitigate infection risk and reduce the burden of associated diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The weighted hrHPV positivity rate declined from 24.86% in 2013 to 12.25% during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), but rebounded to 17.54% in 2023 and 19.47% by early 2024.
  • The three most commonly detected hrHPV genotypes were hrHPV52 (4.52%), hrHPV58 (3.11%), and hrHPV16 (2.72%).
  • Women aged 20-49 years accounted for approximately 70% of hrHPV-positive cases, with a significant increasing trend among women aged ≥66 years throughout the study period.
  • The post-pandemic rebound of hrHPV infections highlights the urgent need for sustained surveillance and age-specific prevention strategies.

Statistics:

  • 469,775 women underwent genital tract hrHPV testing between 2013 and early 2024.
  • The weighted hrHPV positivity rate declined from 24.86% in 2013 to 12.25% during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022).
  • The three most commonly detected hrHPV genotypes accounted for 10.35% of cases.
  • Women aged <50 years accounted for approximately 70% of cases.
  • The hrHPV positivity rate exceeded 20% in both younger (20-49 years) age groups.

Sources:

  • Changes In the Epidemiology of High-risk Hpv Genital Tract Infections Among Women In Shanghai: a Pre- and Post-covid-19 Pandemic Analysis (2013-2024). Journal of Medical Virology, 2025;97(6). Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/, Journal of Medical Virology - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1096-9071
  • NewsRx. Findings from Tongji University Update Understanding of COVID-19 [Changes In the Epidemiology of High-risk Hpv Genital Tract Infections Among Women In Shanghai: a Pre- and Post-covid-19 Pandemic Analysis (2013-2024)]. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. June 29, 2025; p 50.

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