Prevalence and risk factors for HPV seropositivity and anogenital DNA positivity among men who have sex with men: a repeated cross-sectional study

Johannes M A Kusters, Ilja Obels, Fiona R M van der Klis, Audrey J King, Titia Heijman, Janneke C M Heijne, Birgit H B van Benthem, Maarten F Schim van der Loeff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess associations of potential risk factors with human papillomavirus (HPV) seropositivity among men who have sex with men (MSM) and compare these to risk factors for anal and penile (HPV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-positivity in the same study population.

METHODS: Seropositivity and anal and penile HPV DNA-positivity were determined for seven high-risk HPV genotypes for MSM aged 16-24 years participating in Papillomavirus Surveillance among STI clinic Youngsters in the Netherlands (PASSYON) 2009-2021. Logistic regression models were conducted to assess risk factors for seropositivity, anal and penile HPV DNA-positivity.

RESULTS: Overall, 1019 MSM were included. HPV-16 and -18 were most common for serology, and anal and penile HPV DNA-positivity. Although no clear similarities were observed for most risk factors for HPV seropositivity and anal or penile DNA positivity, receptive anal intercourse (RAI) was the strongest associated risk factor for both seropositivity ('RAI ever' adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56-7.88; 'RAI previous 6 months' aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.44-3.26) and anal DNA-positivity ('RAI previous 6 months' aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.09-2.56).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study is suggestive of site-specific immune response after HPV infection; RAI might lead to anal HPV infections and consequently to seroconversion. Finally, as the two genotypes that are most oncogenic and preventable by all HPV vaccines were most common, our results underline the importance of gender-neutral vaccination.

Original languageEnglish
Article number107094
Pages (from-to)107094
JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume145
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Human papillomavirus
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Prevalence
  • Receptive anal intercourse
  • Serology

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