Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Papillomavirus Among Males in Shantou, China (2019–2023)

Background and Aims

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections globally, posing significant public health challenges. However, research in China has largely focused on female populations, with limited data on male HPV prevalence and genotype distribution. This study aims to evaluate HPV prevalence rates and analyze the distribution of various HPV genotypes among male participants in Shantou, China.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted, analyzing data from 2399 male patients who underwent HPV screening at Shantou Central Hospital between 2019 and 2023. PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization techniques were employed to identify and characterize 21 distinct HPV genotypes in the study population.

Results

The overall HPV positivity rate was 44.27% (1062/2399; 95% CI: 42.28%–46.26%), with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) accounting for 24.47% (587/2399; 95% CI: 22.75%–26.19%) and low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) for 32.06% (769/2399; 95% CI: 30.19%–33.92%). Single infections were more common (27.64%), with HPV16 (5.21%), HPV52 (5.13%), and HPV51 (4.54%) being the most prevalent HR-HPV genotypes. HPV6 (18.51%) and HPV11 (10.38%) were the most common LR-HPV types. Coinfections involving HPV6, HPV11, and HPV16 were frequently observed. The nine-valent HPV vaccine (9vHPV) covered 65.25% of LR-HPV and 42.00% of HR-HPV types in this study.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the high burden of HPV infections among males in Shantou, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies, including vaccination programs, to reduce the incidence of HPV-related diseases in this population.