Differences in Factors Associated With High- and Low-Risk Oral Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Men

Abstract

Background HPV causes oral warts and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). HPV-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 3,095 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% CI: 1.22, 2.90) prevalence. In multi-variable 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 with low-risk HPV. High risk HPV prevalence differed by country of residence, highlighting the need for additional studies in multiple countries.

A cross-sectional study of the association of dental health factors with progression and all-cause mortality in men diagnosed with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer

“…However, other studies have found presence of periodontitis to be associated with OPC [ 13 ]. Further, HPV prevalence [ 14 ] and persistence [ 15 ], the precursor to OPC were also associated with periodontitis. Combined, these data indicate that components of dental fitness, including periodontal disease, may be associated with oral HPV persistence, subsequent risk of OPC, and poor treatment outcomes.…”