Prevalence and concordance of penile, anal, and oral human papillomavirus infections among sexually active heterosexual men in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The data on epidemiology of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in men are scarce relative to women generally, particularly among men engaging in heterosexual relationships. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for penile, anal, and oral HPV in men in two communities in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving a face-to-face interview, a clinical examination, and sample collection from participants. HPV genotyping was performed with Anyplex II 28 HPV assay. The prevalences and factors associated with HPV infections using multivariable models and concordance between sites.

Results: Of 316 men, the proportion of any HPV infection in the penile, anal, and oral sites was 40.5%, 9.7%, and 7.8%, respectively. The proportion of any high-risk HPV, low-risk HPV, and multiple HPV infections was highest in the penis followed by the anal and oral sites. Only 5/316 (1.6%) men had concordant HPV in all three sites, with the highest concordance in penile-anal sites relative to penile-oral and anal-oral sites. The odds of penile HPV were higher in men aged 25 years and above. Having penile HPV was associated with higher odds of detecting anal HPV and vice versa. Oral HPV was less likely in men not living with their sexual partners.

Conclusion: Penile HPV is the most common infection followed by anal HPV and oral HPV infections among heterosexual Nigerian men. Concordant HPV infections was highest in penile-anal sites. Nigerian men, as in other settings, are a reservoir of HPV and it is important to conduct more robust studies to appreciate their role in HPV transmission, epidemiology, and prevention.