Human papillomavirus incidence and clearance among HIV-positive and HIV-negative men in Rakai, Uganda

July 30, 2012 by
RHSP

Tobian AA, Kigozi G, Gravitt PE, Xiao C, Serwadda D, Eaton KP, Kong X, Wawer MJ, Nalugoda F, Quinn TC, Gray RH

2012 Jul 31;26(12):1555-65. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328353b83c. PMID: 22441255. PMCID: PMC3442933


Abstract

Objectives: 

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Penile and cervical cancer rates are highest in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about the impact of HIV infection on HR-HPV acquisition and clearance among heterosexual men.

Design: 

HR-HPV incidence and clearance were evaluated in 999 men (776 HIV-negative and 223 HIV-positive) aged 15-49 years who participated in male circumcision trials in Rakai, Uganda.

Methods: 

Penile swabs were tested for HR-HPV by Roche HPV Linear Array. A Poisson multivariable model was used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (adjIRRs) and clearance risk ratios (adjRRs).

Results: 

HR-HPV incidence was 66.5/100 person-years in HIV-positive men and 32.9/100 person-years among HIV-negative men [IRR=2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67-2.44]. Incidence was higher in the unmarried men (adjIRR=1.73, 95% CI 1.19-2.52), and decreased with age (adjIRR for men >35 years=0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.94) and male circumcision (adjIRR=0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.89). HR-HPV clearance was 114.7/100 person-years for HIV-positive men and 170.2/100 person-years for HIV-negative men (risk ratio=0.67, 95% CI 0.59-0.77). HR-HPV clearance in HIV-negative men increased with circumcision (adjRR=1.48, 95% CI 1.26-1.74), HSV-2 infection (adjRR=1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.44), and symptoms of urethral discharge (adjRR=1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.73). Clearance of HR-HPV was significantly lower for unmarried men (adjRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.98).

Conclusion: 

HR-HPV is common among heterosexual Ugandan men, particularly the HIV-infected. HIV infection increases HR-HPV acquisition and reduces HR-HPV clearance. Promotion of male circumcision and additional prevention measures, such as HPV vaccination, is critical in sub-Saharan Africa.

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