Sequential HPV16 variant infections in the genital epithelium and anal canal of men

This study aimed to assess HPV16 variant period prevalence and sequential acquisition at genital and anal sites in men from the USA and Latin America, using data from the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study cohort. Among 635 men with genital and 115 with anal HPV16, 53 men tested positive for any HPV16 variant at both sites, and HPV16 A1 was most prevalent at both sites, more so at the anal canal. Sequential acquisition of HPV16 A1 occurred in 30.4% (genital to anal) and 29.4% (anal to genital). These findings offer insight into HPV16 variant distribution across anatomic sites in men.