High Risk of Incident-Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infection With 9-Valent Vaccine Types in Young Men With an HPV...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection with long-term health implications.
• Limited data exist on the association between prevalent HPV infection and the risk of incident-persistent infection in diverse male populations.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between prevalent 9-valent HPV (9vHPV) infection and the risk of incident-persistent 9vHPV infection in heterosexual men (HM) and men who have sex with men (MSM).
• To inform public health recommendations for HPV vaccination in men.

Main Methods:

• A multinational 4-valent HPV vaccine trial placebo arm cohort including 1459 HM and 260 MSM aged 16-27 years was analyzed.
• Incident-persistent infection was defined as a new 9vHPV type detected at anogenital sites across at least two consecutive visits.
• Statistical analyses included incidence rate differences (IRDs) and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

Main Results:

• Incidence rates of incident-persistent 9vHPV infection were 10.18 per 100 person-years in HM with prevalent infection versus 5.94 in those without.
• Among HM, prevalent 9vHPV infection was associated with a 1.52-fold increased risk of incident-persistent infection (adjusted IRR).
• Among MSM, the risk of incident-persistent infection was high (11.74 per 100 person-years) regardless of baseline HPV status.

Conclusions:

• Heterosexual men with prevalent HPV infection are at higher risk of developing persistent infection.
• The risk of incident-persistent HPV infection is high in men who have sex with men, irrespective of baseline infection status.
• These findings underscore the importance of HPV vaccination for all men to prevent persistent infections.