HPV in female partners increases risk of incident HPV infection acquisition in heterosexual men in rural central Mexico.

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about the incidence, clearance, and factors associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in men is lacking, and much of what is available focuses on high-risk groups.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was carried out with 504 heterosexual males from Mexico State, Mexico. Participants were monitored for 4 years at intervals of approximately 4 months, with a median total duration of follow-up of 19.8 months. The presence of cervical HPV in female sexual partners was evaluated as a risk factor. HPV DNA testing was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Risk factors associated with the incidence and clearance of HPV infection were evaluated through survival analysis.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of infection with any HPV type at 12 months was 15% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.20]. About 72% of men with incident HPV cleared the infection by 12 months. The presence of cervical HPV in a man's female sex partner was the main determinant for males acquiring HPV infection of any type [adjusted HR (AHR), 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.8] and oncogenic HPV infection (AHR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.1-8.0), while having a history of anal sexual relations with women was statistically associated with acquiring nononcogenic HPV (AHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPACT

The incidence of genital HPV infection in this population is relatively low, with relatively quick acquisition and clearance rates. Cervical HPV infection in men's female sexual partners was the main risk factor for genital HPV infection in men.