HIV-Infected MSM Are More Likely to Have HPV Too

Prevalence and incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is higher among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) than it is among HIV-infected men who have sex with women (MSW), according to a new analysis. However, clearance rates were similar between MSM and MSW.

From 2004 to 2012, the researchers examined baseline prevalence, incidence, and clearance of anal HPV infection at 48 months, as well as other associated factors, among 403 MSM and 96 MSW who had HIV.

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Of the men included in the analysis, 78% of MSM and 81% of MSW were prescribed cART, and 74% of MSM and 75% of MSW had undetectable viral load.

After analyzing the data, the researchers found that type 16 prevalence was 38% for MSM and was 14% for MSW; the incidence was 24% for MSM vs 7% for MSW.

Type 18 prevalence was 24% among MSM vs 8% among MSW; the incidence was 13% for MSM vs 4% for MSW.

Clearance of prevalent HPV 16 was 31% for MSM and 60% for MSW. Clearance of prevalent HPV 18 was 47% for MSM and 25% for MSW.

The researchers also noted that among MSM, receptive anal sex (with or without a condom) was associated with persistent HPV 16.

“MSM had higher prevalence and incidence of HPV than MSW, but similar clearance,” the researchers concluded. “Receptive anal sex may predict cancer risk among HIV-infected MSM.”

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Patel P, Bush T, Kojic EM, et al. Prevalence, incidence, and clearance of anal high-risk human papillomavirus infection among HIV-infected men in the SUN study. 2018;217(6):953-963. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jix607.