Differences in Factors Associated With High- and Low-Risk Oral Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Men. (5th November 2020) - Bettampadi, Deepti
Abstract: Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes oral warts and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Human papillomavirus-attributable OPC incidence among men is significantly increasing worldwide, yet few studies have reported oral HPV across multiple countries or examined factors associated with low- and high-risk HPV separately. Methods: Oral gargles from 3095 men in the multinational HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study were HPV genotyped. Multivariable models assessed factors independently associated with high-risk and low-risk HPV prevalence. Results: The prevalence of high-risk and low-risk HPV was 6.0% and 2.8%, respectively. Greater number of sexual partners was only associated with high-risk HPV (1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22–2.90) prevalence. In multivariable models, residing in Mexico (1.66; 95% CI, 1.15–2.40) and smoking (1.66; 95% CI, 1.13–2.44) were significantly associated with high-risk HPV, and history of consistent gum bleeding (2.16; 95% CI, 1.35–3.45) was significantly associated with low-risk HPV. Gender of the sexual partner did not alter the results for either high- or low-risk HPV endpoints. Conclusions: Different factors were independently associated with high- and low-risk oral HPV. Oral sexual behaviors were associated with high-risk HPV, and oral health was associated with low-risk HPV. High-risk HPV prevalence differed by country of residence, highlighting the need for additional studies in multiple countries. Abstract : In the HIM study, high-risk oral HPV prevalence was associated with residing in Mexico, smoking, and sexual behaviors. Low-risk oral HPV was associated with history of consistent bleeding of gums while brushing, lifetime number of sex partners, and sexual orientation.