An analysis of HPV infection incidence and clearance by genotype and age in men: The HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study.

OBJECTIVES: Genital HPV infection in men causes benign and cancerous lesions, the incidence of which differs by age. The goal of this work was to comprehensively evaluate incidence and clearance of individual HPV genotypes among men by age group. METHODS: HIV-negative men ages 18-70 with no history of anogenital cancer were recruited for the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study. Participants completed clinical exams and questionnaires every six months for up to ~4 years. Genital specimens underwent HPV genotyping, with associations between age and HPV assessed using Cox analyses. RESULTS: 4085 men were followed for a median of 48.6 months (range: 0.3-94.0). Significantly lower HPV incidence rates were observed among the oldest age group (55-70 years) for grouped high-risk (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.71), HPV16 (IRR=0.54), grouped low-risk (IRR=0.74), and HPV6 (IRR=0.57) infections compared to men ages 18-24. However, incidence of the grouped 9-valent HPV vaccine types remained constant across the lifespan. Likelihood of HPV6 and HPV16 clearance remained constant until age 54, then increased significantly for men ages 55-70 (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]=1.92 and 1.65, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Men remain susceptible to HPV infections throughout their lifespan, highlighting the need for prevention efforts with long-lasting duration.

Alcohol consumption and prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among US men in the HPV in Men (HIM) study.

OBJECTIVES: Moderate alcohol consumption can impair host defence against viral infections. The objective of this cross-sectional analysis was to assess the association between alcohol intake and prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among US men enrolled in the HPV in Men (HIM) study using quantitative alcohol intake measured from a Food Frequency Questionnaire. METHODS: The HIM study is a prospective, multinational study of the natural history of HPV infection. For this report, we restricted our analyses to men from the US cohort (N = 1313). Samples from the corona of glans penis, penile shaft and scrotum were combined for HPV DNA testing. Self-reported alcohol intake was quantified by grams of alcohol intake per day. Multivariable prevalence ratios (mPRs) were used to assess the association between alcohol intake and HPV infections. RESULTS: Prevalent infections were significantly higher among men in the highest quartile of alcohol intake and multivariable models revealed that the highest quartile of alcohol intake was associated with significantly increased risks for any (mPR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.27) HPV types and oncogenic (mPR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.68) HPV types. The fourth quartile of alcohol intake was associated with elevated risks for prevalent HPV infection across all strata of number of sexual partners and among never-smokers and current smokers, but not among former smokers. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that high intake of alcohol is associated with an increased risk for prevalent HPV infections among men. The biological role that alcohol plays in genital HPV infection remains understudied and limited epidemiological data exist, especially among men.

A prospective analysis of smoking and human papillomavirus infection among men in the HPV in Men Study.

At present it is unknown whether the higher prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among smokers in men is attributed to a higher probability of acquiring an infection or because of longer infection persistence. Thus, we investigated the role of smoking on the incidence (acquisition) and clearance (persistence) of genital HPV infections among 4,026 men in the HPV in Men (HIM) Study, a multinational prospective study of the natural history of genital HPV infection in men. Genital HPV infections were grouped by any, oncogenic and nononcogenic HPV infections and smoking status was categorized as current, former and never smokers. The incidence of any, oncogenic and nononcogenic HPV infections was significantly higher among current smokers compared to former and never smokers (p < 0.01). In multivariable analyses adjusting for sexual behavior and potential confounders, when compared to never smokers, current smokers exhibited significantly higher probability of acquiring any [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.50] and nononcogenic (HR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.00-1.45) infections and a borderline significant probability for oncogenic infections (HR = 1.18; 95% CI 0.98-1.41). Although the median duration of HPV infection was generally longer among current smokers, we found no statistically significant associations in the multivariable analyses. Overall, these results demonstrated that current smoking exhibited the highest incidence and highest probability of acquiring genital HPV infections.

Incidence and clearance of oral human papillomavirus infection in men: the HIM cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes a subset of oropharyngeal cancers. These cancers disproportionately affect men, are increasing in incidence, and have no proven prevention methods. We aimed to establish the natural history of oral HPV infection in men. METHODS: To estimate incidence and clearance of HPV infections, men residing in Brazil, Mexico, and the USA who were HIV negative and reported no history of anogenital cancer were recruited into the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) cohort study. A subset of the cohort who provided two or more oral rinse-and-gargle samples with valid HPV results and who completed a minimum of 2 weeks of follow-up were included in this analysis. Oral rinse-and-gargle samples and questionnaire data were obtained every 6 months for up to 4 years. Samples were analysed for the presence of oncogenic and non-oncogenic HPV infections by the linear array method. FINDINGS: 1626 men aged 18-73 years and with a median follow-up of 12·7 months (IQR 12·1-14·7) were included in the analysis. During the first 12 months of follow-up, 4·4% (95% CI 3·5-5·6; n=115 incident infections) of men acquired an incident oral HPV infection, 1·7% (1·2-2·5; n=53 incident infections) an oral oncogenic HPV infection, and 0·6% (0·3-1·1; n=18 incident infections) an oral HPV 16 infection. Acquisition of oral oncogenic HPV was significantly associated with smoking and not being married or cohabiting, but was similar across countries, age groups, and reported sexual behaviours. Median duration of infection was 6·9 months (95 % CI 6·2-9·3; n=45 cleared infections) for any HPV, 6·3 months (6·0-9·9; n=18 cleared infections) for oncogenic HPV, and 7·3 months (6·0-not estimable; n=5 cleared infections) for HPV 16. Eight of the 18 incident oral HPV 16 infections persisted for two or more study visits. INTERPRETATION: Newly acquired oral oncogenic HPV infections in healthy men were rare and most were cleared within 1 year. Additional studies into the natural history of HPV are needed to inform development of infection-related prevention efforts. FUNDING: US National Cancer Institute, Merck Sharp & Dohme.

Racial differences in the incidence and clearance of human papilloma virus (HPV): the HPV in men (HIM) study.

BACKGROUND: This analysis assessed the acquisition (incidence) and persistence (clearance) of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection by self-reported race among men in The HPV in Men (HIM) Study, a multinational prospective study of the natural history of genital HPV infections. METHODS: Self-reported race was categorized as White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander (PI), or multiple and mixed race. Genital samples were combined for HPV DNA testing and categorized by any, oncogenic, and non-oncogenic HPV infections. RESULTS: Asian/PI race had significantly the lowest incidence of any, oncogenic, and non-oncogenic HPV infection (P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, Asian/PI race was associated with a lower probability of acquiring any [HR = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42-0.95] and non-oncogenic HPV infection (HR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40-0.93) when compared to Whites. No significant associations were evident for Asian/PI race for clearance. Multiple and mixed race was significantly associated with lower probability of acquiring non-oncogenic HPV infection (HR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.99) and borderline significant associations were observed for any HPV (HR = 0.91) and oncogenic infections (HR = 0.92). Multiple and mixed race was associated with a lower probability of clearing any (HR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.84-1.00) and oncogenic HPV infections (HR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.95). CONCLUSION: Asian/PI race had the lowest incidence of HPV and exhibited a lower probability of acquiring new HPV infections. Multiple and mixed race had the second lowest incidence of infection and was associated with a lower probability of acquiring and clearing an HPV infection. IMPACT: Race-specific differences in HPV infection could be due to behavior, innate genetic differences, or circulating intratypic HPV variants.

Consistent condom use reduces the genital human papillomavirus burden among high-risk men: the HPV infection in men study.

BACKGROUND: Data supporting the efficacy of condoms against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in males are limited. Therefore, we examined the effect of consistent condom use on genital HPV acquisition and duration of infection. METHODS: A prospective analysis was conducted within the HPV Infection in Men Study, a multinational HPV cohort study. Men who were recently sexually active (n = 3323) were stratified on the basis of sexual risk behaviors and partnerships. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, type-specific incidence of HPV infection and clearance were modeled for each risk group to assess independent associations with condom use. RESULTS: The risk of HPV acquisition was 2-fold lower among men with no steady sex partner who always used condoms, compared with those who never used condoms (hazard ratio, 0.54), after adjustment for country, age, race, education duration, smoking, alcohol, and number of recent sex partners. The probability of clearing an oncogenic HPV infection was 30% higher among nonmonogamous men who always used condoms with nonsteady sex partners, compared with men who never used condoms (hazard ratio, 1.29), after adjustment for country, age, race, education duration, marital status, smoking, alcohol, and number of recent sex partners. No protective effects of condom use were observed among monogamous men. CONCLUSIONS: Condoms should be promoted in combination with HPV vaccination to prevent HPV infection in men.

Association of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and herpes simplex virus type 2 serostatus with genital human papillomavirus infection in men: the HPV in men study.

BACKGROUND: Studies in women indicate that some sexually transmitted infections promote human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence and carcinogenesis. Little is known about this association in men; therefore, we assessed whether Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) serostatus are associated with genital HPV prevalence, an early event in HPV-related pathogenesis. METHODS: Genital exfoliated cells, first-void urine, and blood from 3971 men recruited in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil were tested for HPV, CT, and HSV-2 antibodies, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of CT infection and HSV-2 serostatus with 4 HPV outcomes (any, oncogenic, nononcogenic only, and multiple infections). RESULTS: A total of 64 (1.6%) men were CT positive, and 811 (20.4%) men were HSV-2 seropositive. After adjustment for potential confounders, CT was associated with any HPV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-4.24), oncogenic HPV (aOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.53-6.28), and multiple HPV (aOR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.69-6.95) prevalence. Herpes simplex virus type 2 serostatus was associated with any HPV (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.52), nononcogenic HPV only (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.08-1.75), and multiple HPV (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.68) prevalence. In analyses stratified by sexual behavior, CT infection was significantly associated with HPV detection among men reporting 2 or more recent sexual partners, whereas HSV-2 serostatus was significantly associated with HPV detection in men reporting 0 to 5 lifetime sexual partners. CONCLUSION: In this population, CT infection and HSV-2 serostatus were associated with prevalent genital HPV infection. Future prospective studies should investigate whether these infections influence HPV acquisition and/or persistence.

Male circumcision and prevalence of genital human papillomavirus infection in men: a multinational study.

BACKGROUND: Accumulated evidence from epidemiological studies and more recently from randomized controlled trials suggests that male circumcision (MC) may substantially protect against genital HPV infection in men. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between MC and genital HPV infection in men in a large multinational study. METHODS: A total of 4072 healthy men ages 18-70 years were enrolled in a study conducted in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. Enrollment samples combining exfoliated cells from the coronal sulcus, glans penis, shaft, and scrotum were analyzed for the presence and genotyping of HPV DNA by PCR and linear array methods. Prevalence ratios (PR) were used to estimate associations between MC and HPV detection adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: MC was not associated with overall prevalence of any HPV, oncogenic HPV types or unclassified HPV types. However, MC was negatively associated with non-oncogenic HPV infections (PR 0.85, 95% confident interval: 0.76-0.95), in particular for HPV types 11, 40, 61, 71, and 81. HPV 16, 51, 62, and 84 were the most frequently identified genotypes regardless of MC status. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows no overall association between MC and genital HPV infections in men, except for certain non-oncogenic HPV types for which a weak association was found. However, the lack of association with MC might be due to the lack of anatomic site specific HPV data, for example the glans penis, the area expected to be most likely protected by MC.

Risk factors for incident condyloma in a multinational cohort of men: the HIM study.

Identifying factors associated with condyloma are necessary for prevention efforts. Risk factors for incident condyloma were examined in a cohort of 2487 men from the United States, Brazil, and Mexico and were followed up every 6 months (median, 17.9 months). Factors strongly associated with condyloma were incident infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 (hazard ratio [HR], 12.42 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.78-40.77]), age (HR, 0.43 [95% CI, .26-.77]; 45-70 vs 18-30 years), high lifetime number of female partners (HR, 5.69 [95% CI, 1.80-17.97]; ≥21 vs 0 partners), and number of male partners (HR, 4.53 [95% CI, 1.68-12.20]; ≥3 vs 0 partners). The results suggest that HPV types 6 and 11 and recent sexual behavior are strongly associated with incident condyloma.

Prevalent serum antibody is not a marker of immune protection against acquisition of oncogenic HPV16 in men.

In women, naturally induced anti-human papilloma virus (HPV) serum antibodies are a likely marker of host immune protection against subsequent HPV acquisition and progression to precancerous lesions and cancers. However, it is unclear whether the same is the case in men. In this study, we assessed the risk of incident genital infection and 6-month persistent genital infection with HPV16 in relation to baseline serostatus in a cohort of 2,187 men over a 48-month period. Genital swabs were collected every 6 months and tested for HPV presence. Incidence proportions by serostatus were calculated at each study visit to examine whether potential immune protection attenuated over time. Overall, incidence proportions did not differ statistically between baseline seropositive and seronegative men at any study visit or over the follow-up period. The risk of incident and 6-month persistent infection was not associated with baseline serostatus or baseline serum antibody levels in the cohort. Our findings suggest that baseline HPV seropositivity in men is not associated with reduced risk of subsequent HPV16 acquisition. Thus, prevalent serum antibodies induced by prior infection may not be a suitable marker for subsequent immune protection against genital HPV16 acquisition in men.

Race and prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among men residing in Brazil, Mexico and the United States.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers in men. Genital HPV prevalence in men appears to vary by world region with men residing in Asia having among the lowest prevalence. Unfortunately, there is little information on prevalence of HPV infection in men by race. The purpose of this study was to examine HPV prevalence by race across three countries. 3,909 men ages 18-70 years enrolled in an ongoing prospective cohort study of the natural history of HPV in men (The HIM Study) were included in the analysis. Participants completed risk factor questionnaires and samples were taken from the penile epithelium and scrotum for HPV detection. HPV testing of the combined DNA extract was conducted using PCR and genotyping. Asian/Pacific Islanders had the lowest HPV prevalence of 42.2% compared to Blacks (66.2%), and Whites (71.5%). The Asian/Pacific Islander race was strongly protective in univariate analysis (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-0.74) and multivariate analysis for any HPV infection (PR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52-0.8). Stratified analysis by lifetime number of female partners also showed strong inverse associations with the Asian/Pacific Islander race. We consistently observed the lowest prevalence of HPV infection among Asian/Pacific Islanders with moderate inverse associations even after various adjustments for potential confounding factors. Unmeasured behavioral factors, sexual mixing with low risk women, and/or race-specific differences in the frequency of germline variations among immune regulating genes may underlie these associations. Further studies among Asian populations that incorporate measures of immuno-genetics are needed to understand this phenomenon.

Incidence and human papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution of genital warts in a multinational cohort of men: the HPV in men study.

BACKGROUND: Data on the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related genital warts (GWs) in men are sparse. We described the distribution of HPV types in incident GWs and estimated GW incidence and time from type-specific incident HPV infections to GW detection in a multinational cohort of men aged 18-70 years. METHODS: Participants included 2487 men examined for GWs and tested for HPV every 6 months and followed up for a median of 17.9 months. Samples were taken from 112 men with incident GWs to test for HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Incidence of GWs was 2.35 cases per 1000 person-years, with highest incidence among men aged 18-30 years (3.43 cases per 1000 person-years). HPV 6 (43.8%), HPV 11 (10.7%), and HPV 16 (9.8%) were the genotypes most commonly detected in GWs. The 24-month cumulative incidence of GWs among men with incident HPV 6/11 infections was 14.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.5%-21.1%). Median time to GW detection was 17.1 months (95% CI, 12.4-19.3 months), with shortest time to detection among men with incident infections with HPV 6/11 only (6.2 months; 95% CI, 5.6-24.2 months). CONCLUSIONS: HPV 6/11 plays an important role in GW development, with the highest incidence and shortest time to detection among men with incident HPV 6/11 infection.

Ethnic and racial differences in HPV knowledge and vaccine intentions among men receiving HPV test results.

We examined factors associated with HPV vaccine intentions by racial/ethnic group among men participating in a HPV natural history study. HPV knowledge, vaccine intentions and perceived barriers were assessed among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men. Men were tested for HPV every 6 months. After receiving test results from their previous visit, participants (N=477) reported their intentions for HPV vaccination in a computer-assisted survey instrument (CASI). Vaccine intentions were high among all respondents, although differences were found between racial and ethnic groups in awareness and knowledge of HPV and, vaccine intentions and perceived access and barriers to receiving the HPV vaccine. In order to effectively disseminate the vaccine among men, factors that may promote or inhibit vaccine acceptability need to be identified. Identifying these factors related to vaccine intentions among minority and majority men offers an opportunity for addressing barriers to health equity and, in turn, reductions in HPV-related disparities.

Incidence and clearance of genital human papillomavirus infection in men (HIM): a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause genital warts and cancers in men. The natural history of HPV infection in men is largely unknown, and that information is needed to inform prevention strategies. The goal in this study was to estimate incidence and clearance of type-specific genital HPV infection in men, and to assess the associated factors. METHODS: Men (aged 18-70 years), residing in Brazil, Mexico, and the USA, who were HIV negative and reported no history of cancer were recruited from the general population, universities, and organised health-care systems. They were assessed every 6 months for a median follow-up of 27·5 months (18·0-31·2). Specimens from the coronal sulcus, glans penis, shaft, and scrotum were obtained for the assessment of the status of HPV genotypes. FINDINGS: In 1159 men, the incidence of a new genital HPV infection was 38·4 per 1000 person months (95% CI 34·3-43·0). Oncogenic HPV infection was significantly associated with having a high number of lifetime female sexual partners (hazard ratio 2·40, 1·38-4·18, for at least 50 partners vs not more than one partner), and number of male anal-sexual partners (2·57, 1·46-4·49, for at least three male partners vs no recent partners). Median duration of HPV infection was 7·52 months (6·80-8·61) for any HPV and 12·19 months (7·16-18·17) for HPV 16. Clearance of oncogenic HPV infection decreased in men with a high number of lifetime female partners (0·49, 0·31-0·76, for at least 50 female partners vs not more than one partner), and in men in Brazil (0·71, 0·56-0·91) and Mexico (0·73, 0·57-0·94) compared with the USA. Clearance of oncogenic HPV was more rapid with increasing age (1·02, 1·01-1·03). INTERPRETATION: The data from this study are useful for the development of realistic cost-effectiveness models for male HPV vaccination internationally. FUNDING: National Cancer Institute.

HPV 6/11, 16, 18 seroprevalence in men in two US cities.

BACKGROUND: A vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) 6, HPV 11, HPV 16, or HPV 18 and associated diseases is licensed for females, and it may be licensed for men in the future. There are limited data on HPV 6/11, 16, and/or 18 seroprevalence in men. METHODS: A total of 490 men aged 18 to 40 years were enrolled in a study of HPV in men in Tucson, AZ, and Tampa, FL. Enrolled men completed a self-administered questionnaire, and HPV serology was performed using HPV 6/11, 16, and 18 VLP assays. RESULTS: Overall, seroprevalence to HPV 16 was 12.1%, HPV 6/11 was 9.7%, and to HPV 18 was 5.4%. Seroprevalence to HPV 6/11, 16, and/or 18 was 21% and was highest among 35 to 40 year olds (48%); prevalence in this age group was significantly higher compared to the 18 to 24 year olds (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7, 12.8). Independent predictors of seropositivity to HPV 6/11, 16, and/or 18 were older age, greater number of female sex partners in the past 3 months, and current smoking. CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccine-type seroprevalence was highest in 35 to 40 year old men. These data on the epidemiology of HPV seroprevalence in men are useful for discussions regarding recommendations for HPV vaccine if licensed for use in men.

Multiple-type human papillomavirus infection in male anogenital sites: prevalence and associated factors.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer and is strongly associated with other anogenital cancers. Multiple-type HPV infection has been associated with lengthier infection and precancerous lesions. Little is known about multiple-type HPV prevalence and associated factors in men. We examined the prevalence of and risk factors for multiple-type HPV in primarily asymptomatic men. Detection of 37 HPV types in male anogenital epithelium and semen was completed in 463 men in two U.S. cities. The proportions of men with multiple HPV of any type and with multiple oncogenic or nononcogenic types were calculated. Factors associated with multiple HPV were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression. Overall, 22.9% of men had multiple-HPV, 8.6% of men had multiple oncogenic types, and 13.4% had multiple nononcogenic types. Greater proportions of samples at the shaft, glans/corona, and scrotum had multiple HPV types (18.7%, 12.8%, and 7.3%, respectively) than did other anogenital sites (all < or =2.8%). Factors independently associated with multiple-type HPV were Hispanic ethnicity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.45; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.05-5.67], concurrent detection of genital warts (AOR, 10.40; 95% CI, 1.12-96.6), smoking > or =10 cigarettes/d (AOR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.07-8.43), greater lifetime number of female sexual partners (AOR, 13.73 for > or =21 versus 1-5; 95% CI, 5.34-35.3), and condom use less than half the time (AOR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.07-3.84). Detection of multiple HPV types in this study of primarily asymptomatic men was common, particularly at external genital sites. Lifetime number of female sex partners, condom use, and smoking were modifiable factors associated with multiple HPV.

The human papillomavirus infection in men study: human papillomavirus prevalence and type distribution among men residing in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States.

Male sexual behavior influences the rates of cervical dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer, as well as male human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and disease. Unfortunately, little is known regarding male HPV type distribution by age and across countries. In samples combined from the coronal sulcus, glans penis, shaft, and scrotum of 1,160 men from Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, overall HPV prevalence was 65.2%, with 12.0% oncogenic types only, 20.7% nononcogenic types only, 17.8% both oncogenic and nononcogenic, and 14.7% unclassified infections. Multiple HPV types were detected in 25.7% of study participants. HPV prevalence was higher in Brazil (72.3%) than in the United States (61.3%) and Mexico (61.9%). HPV16 (6.5%), HPV51 (5.3%), and HPV59 (5.3%) were the most commonly detected oncogenic infections, and HPV84 (7.7%), HPV62 (7.3%), and HPV6 (6.6%) were the most commonly detected nononcogenic infections. Overall HPV prevalence was not associated with age. However, significant associations with age were observed when specific categories of HPV, nononcogenic, and unclassified HPV infections were considered. Studies of HPV type distribution among a broad age range of men from multiple countries is needed to fill the information gap internationally with respect to our knowledge of HPV infection in men.

Age-specific prevalence, incidence, and duration of human papillomavirus infections in a cohort of 290 US men.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause disease in men and women, and male-to-female HPV transmission influences the risk of cancer in females. The purpose of the present study was to describe the overall and age-specific incidence and clearance of HPV infections in men. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study of 290 men aged 18-44 years, participants were examined at baseline and every 6 months, with a mean duration of follow-up of 15.5 months. RESULTS: The period prevalence was 52.8% for any, 31.7% for oncogenic, and 30.0% for nononcogenic HPV infection. The 12-month cumulative risk of acquiring a new HPV infection was 29.2%. Incidences of HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 were 2.8, 0.5, 4.8, and 0.8 per 1000 person-months, respectively. The median time to clearance of any HPV infection was 5.9 months (95% confidence interval, 5.7-6.1 months), with comparable times to clearance for oncogenic and nononcogenic infections. Approximately 75% of men tested negative for any HPV 12 months after initial HPV detection. Age was not significantly associated with HPV incidence or duration of infection in men. CONCLUSION: HPV infection in men was common, with relatively rapid rates of acquisition and clearance.

Risk factors for anogenital human papillomavirus infection in men.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers. Identification of risk factors for HPV infection in men may improve our understanding of HPV transmission and prevention. METHODS: HPV testing for 37 types was conducted in 463 men 18-40 years old recruited from 2 US cities. The entire anogenital region and semen were sampled. A self-administered questionnaire was completed. Multivariate logistic regression aided the identification of independent risk factors for any HPV type, oncogenic HPV types, and nononcogenic HPV types. RESULTS: Prevalence was 65.4% for any HPV, 29.2% for oncogenic HPV, and 36.3% for nononcogenic HPV. Factors significantly associated with any HPV were smoking > or =10 cigarettes per day (odds ratio [OR], 2.3 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.0-5.3]) and lifetime number of female sex partners (FSPs) (OR for > or =21, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.3-4.6]), and factors significantly associated with oncogenic HPV were lifetime number of FSPs (OR for > or =21, 7.4 [95% CI, 3.4-16.3]) and condom use during the past 3 months (OR for more than half the time, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.3-0.8]). For nononcogenic HPV, a significant association was found for number of FSPs during the past 3 months (OR for > or =2, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.4-6.3]). CONCLUSIONS: Lifetime and recent number of FSPs, condom use, and smoking were modifiable risk factors associated with HPV infection in men.

The optimal anatomic sites for sampling heterosexual men for human papillomavirus (HPV) detection: the HPV detection in men study.

Background. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men contributes to infection and cervical disease in women as well as to disease in men. This study aimed to determine the optimal anatomic site(s) for HPV detection in heterosexual men.Methods. A cross-sectional study of HPV infection was conducted in 463 men from 2003 to 2006. Urethral, glans penis/coronal sulcus, penile shaft/prepuce, scrotal, perianal, anal canal, semen, and urine samples were obtained. Samples were analyzed for sample adequacy and HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction and genotyping. To determine the optimal sites for estimating HPV prevalence, site-specific prevalences were calculated and compared with the overall prevalence. Sites and combinations of sites were excluded until a recalculated prevalence was reduced by <5% from the overall prevalence.Results. The overall prevalence of HPV was 65.4%. HPV detection was highest at the penile shaft (49.9% for the full cohort and 47.9% for the subcohort of men with complete sampling), followed by the glans penis/coronal sulcus (35.8% and 32.8%) and scrotum (34.2% and 32.8%). Detection was lowest in urethra (10.1% and 10.2%) and semen (5.3% and 4.8%) samples. Exclusion of urethra, semen, and either perianal, scrotal, or anal samples resulted in a <5% reduction in prevalence.Conclusions. At a minimum, the penile shaft and the glans penis/coronal sulcus should be sampled in heterosexual men. A scrotal, perianal, or anal sample should also be included for optimal HPV detection.