Incidence and prevalence of multiple types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men: a study in Poland.

OBJECTIVES Infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) are sexually transmitted. Their prevalence in males is comparable to females, but infection in men is largely unknown. Since such information is needed to establish prevention strategies, the goal of our study was to estimate the incidence of type-specific genital HPV infection among men in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS Within a multi-center clinical preventive trial, penile sampling of 826 (100%) uncircumcised and sexually active males (aged 25-69 yrs.) was studied. Peniscopy was performed in addition to routine clinical examination. DNA HPV in smears was detected by hybrid capture (HC2) and in the biopsy material by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Twenty-three HPV types were detected, including 11 high-risk oncogenic (53-6.4% men) and in 65 (7.87%) individuals both oncogenic and nononcogenic simultaneously--altogether 118 (14.3%) and also 12 low-risk multiple nononcogenic types (248-30% men). Penile HPV prevalence was approximately 26.8%. In 53 (6.4%) cases we detected multiple oncogenic types (single HPV16 in only 17 cases--2.1%). Penile HPV DNA was detection did not appear to be associated with age. Our analyses also suggested a lower prevalence of HPV infection among male participants who reported consistent condom use and fewer sexual partners. In men with history of having more than 10 sexual partners over their lifetime increased the likelihood of detecting HPV DNA. CONCLUSIONS Data from our study showing a high prevalence of HPV infection in the Polish population of men will be helpful for future studies on HPV transmission dynamics.