Seroepidemiology of low and high oncogenic risk types of human papillomavirus in a predominantly male cohort of STD clinic patients

Int J STD AIDS. 2001 Aug;12(8):516-23. doi: 10.1258/0956462011923615.

Abstract

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infecting the genital tract are associated with warts and anogenital malignancies. Although HPV is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD), the majority of research has focused on female cohorts due to gender specific sequelae. Our objective was to measure the epidemiological features and seroprevalences of HPV-6/11 and 16 in a predominantly male group of STD clinic patients. High-risk individuals (n=687), who attended the public STD clinic were administered a behavioural questionnaire and serum tested for antibodies against HPV-6/11 and HPV-16 capsids via capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Despite the male predominance in this study, women were significantly more likely to have antibodies against both HPV-6/11 and HPV-16. Condom use appeared to be partially protective against HPV-16 seropositivity only. In conclusion, despite exhibiting increased risk behaviour, men were less likely to be HPV seropositive. Additional studies utilizing male cohorts are warranted to further elucidate this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Louisiana / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / virology*
  • Papillomaviridae* / classification
  • Papillomaviridae* / immunology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / blood
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / immunology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / blood
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / complications*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / immunology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / microbiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tumor Virus Infections / blood
  • Tumor Virus Infections / complications*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / immunology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology
  • Urban Health / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral