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Asymptomatic penile HPV infection: a prospective study.
A Wikström1, C Popescu, O Forslund
1Department of Dermatovenereology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|March 4, 2000
Summary
Subclinical human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common in sexually active males. Repeated sampling significantly increases the detection rate of HPV DNA, highlighting the prevalence of latent infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection.
- Understanding HPV prevalence in males is crucial for public health strategies.
- Subclinical and latent infections can contribute to transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the occurrence of HPV in males using molecular methods.
- To determine the prevalence of HPV DNA in penile brush samples.
- To assess the impact of repeated sampling on HPV detection rates.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for HPV DNA detection.
- Penile brush samples were collected from males attending a clinic.
- Single and consecutive samples were obtained to evaluate prevalence over time.
Main Results:
- HPV DNA was detected in 13% of males attending once and 14% of initial samples from re-attenders.
- Prevalence increased to 33% among re-attenders with at least one positive visit.
- HPV 16 was the most common type (6.4%), followed by HPV 42 (3.8%); 22 types were detected.
- Persistent infections were observed in 7/14 HPV-positive males with follow-up; new types emerged in 5 males.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical/latent HPV infection is common in sexually active males.
- Repeated sampling significantly increases the detected prevalence of HPV.
- Findings emphasize the need for comprehensive HPV surveillance in male populations.