HPV Is More Common In Men Who Have Sex With Men

The prevalence and incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) than in men who have sex with women (MSW), according to a recent study. In addition, condomless anal sex may be associated with a higher risk for cancer in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

From 2004 to 2012, the researchers assessed 403 MSM and 96 MSW. Median patient age was 42 years. Anal swabs were collected for cytology, HPV detection, and genotyping at annual visits. Baseline prevalence, incidence, and clearance of anal HPV infection, as well as other associated factors among men with HIV infection, were evaluated at 48 months.
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Results of the study showed that 87% of MSM had been prescribed combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) compared with 91% of MSW. Median cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell count was 454 cells/mm³ in MSM vs 379 cells/mm³ in MSW. In addition, approximately 74% of MSM had undetectable viral load vs 75% of MSW.

The prevalence of type 16 was 38% (incidence, 24%) among MSM compared with 14% (incidence, 6%) among MSW, while type 18 prevalence was 24% (incidence, 14%) in MSM vs 14% (incidence, 3%) in MSW. Clearance for prevalent HPV 16 was 51% in MSM and 66% in MSW, compared with 69% in MSM and 60% in MSW for prevalent HPV 18.

The researchers noted that condomless receptive anal sex was associated with persistent HPV 16 in all men (odds ratio, 2.37).

“MSM had higher prevalence and incidence of HPV than MSW, but similar clearance,” the researchers concluded. “Condomless anal sex may predict cancer risk among HIV-infected men.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Patel P, Bush T, Kojic EM, et al. Prevalence, incidence, and clearance of anal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-infected men in the SUN study [Published online December 4, 2017]. J Infect Dis. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jix607.