HPV16 E6 and E7 Genetic Variability in Oral and Anal Samples from HIV-Positive MSM

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially HPV16, drives anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers.
• Limited data exist on HPV16 genetic variability in anal and oral samples from individuals living with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic diversity of HPV16 E6 and E7 genes in anal and oral samples from HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM).
• To correlate HPV16 genetic variability with cytological outcomes and anatomical site.

Main Methods:

• Sequencing of HPV16 E6 and E7 genes from anal and oral samples of 53 HIV-positive MSM.
• Analysis of genetic variability, including mutations and lineage distribution.
• Comparison of variants between anatomical sites and cytological outcomes.

Main Results:

• HPV16 lineage A predominated (96.1%), primarily sublineages A1 (84.3%) and A2 (9.8%).
• The E6 gene exhibited higher variability than E7, with 51.0% carrying the L83V mutation.
• No significant differences in HPV16 variants were found between anal and oral samples or linked to lesion grade.

Conclusions:

• Findings confirm the prevalence of European HPV16 A1/A2 variants in Italian MSM.
• HPV16 E6/E7 gene polymorphisms do not appear to be directly associated with lesion grade or anatomical location in this cohort.