The Lancet: 30% of Men Worldwide Are Infected with at Least One Genital HPV Virus

Background

The epidemiology of HPV in women is well documented, but less so in men.

Objective: To provide global and regional estimates of the overall, type-specific, and age-specific prevalence of genital HPV infection in men.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the prevalence of genital HPV infection in the general male population.

Data sources: Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Global Index Medicus.

Inclusion criteria: males aged 15 years and older, sample size of at least 50, HPV DNA detection using PCR or hybridization capture techniques.

Exclusion criteria: studies of high-risk populations, studies of circumcised men, and studies of urine or semen samples.

Findings

Global pooled HPV prevalence: 31% (95% CI 27-35).

High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) prevalence: 21% (95% CI 18-24).

Most common HPV types: HPV-16 (5%), HPV-6 (4%).

HPV infection peaks between the ages of 25 and 29 and then stabilizes or declines slightly.

Regional differences: Infection rates in East and Southeast Asia are about half of those in other regions.

Interpretation

Globally, about one-third of men are infected with at least one genital HPV type, and one-fifth of men are infected with one or more HR-HPV types.

The results indicate a high prevalence of HPV in men aged 15 years and older, emphasizing the importance of including men in HPV prevention strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from related diseases.

Data from:

ELSEVIER, E1345-E1362