Prevalence of oral and oropharyngeal human papillomavirus in a sample of South African men: A pilot study

Abstract

Background. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is well known to be associated with head and neck cancers (HNCs). HPV-associated HNCs are related to sexual behaviour, particularly the lifetime number of oral sex partners, but the epidemiology of oral and oropharyngeal HPV in South African men has not yet been studied. Objectives. To determine the oral and oropharyngeal HPV strain prevalence and associated factors in a selected male population in Pretoria, South Africa (SA). Methods. Male factory workers were recruited. Oral rinse and gargle samples were tested for 37 HPV types using the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test (Roche Molecular Systems). A questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding age, medical conditions, substance and alcohol use and sexual behaviour. HIV testing was optional. Results. The HPV prevalence was 5.6% among men (N=125) aged 17 -64 years. High-risk HPV (hrHPV) types 16 and 68 were found in two men. Oral sex seemed to be an uncommon practice in the majority of respondents, but the two respondents with hrHPV did practise oral sex. There was a statistically significant association between HPV infection and an increased number of sexual partners (p=0.027), but not between HPV and substance use, HIV status or clinical mucosal pathology. Conclusion. The prevalence of oral and oropharyngeal HPV was lower than reported in other countries. An association between oral HPV and having multiple sexual partners was found. A larger nationwide study would give a more representative view of the burden of oral and oropharyngeal HPV infection in SA.

Investigation of the presence of HPV related oropharyngeal and oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma in Mozambique

“…They found a 5.6% prevalence rate of HPV infection with only two showing high risk genotype 16 or 68. Notably, the survey concluded oral sex was an uncommon practice for the majority of the study participants, but both men with high risk HPV participated in oral sex [28]. Though this study is limited and within a specific population in neighboring South Africa, it does suggest a much more limited practice of oral sex in the region and may help explain the lack of HPV positive tumors in this study.…”

The prevalence of human papillomavirus infections and associated risk factors in men-who-have-sex-with-men in Cape Town, South Africa

“…Further studies are needed to determine whether oro-pharyngeal tumours containing non-HPV-16 high-risk types present less often with lymph node metastases and have better treatment outcomes [33, 37]. Davidson et al [38] reported a HPV prevalence of 5.6 % in oral rinse and gargle samples among male factory workers in Pretoria, South Africa, aged 17 - 64 years. Although oral sex was not common in this population, it was practised among men identified with HR-HPV infection [38].…”

“…Davidson et al [38] reported a HPV prevalence of 5.6 % in oral rinse and gargle samples among male factory workers in Pretoria, South Africa, aged 17 - 64 years. Although oral sex was not common in this population, it was practised among men identified with HR-HPV infection [38]. Performing oral and oro-anal sex on men and women were not associated with oro-pharyngeal HPV infections in this study.…”

Editor's Choice

“…Oral and oropharyngeal HPV in a sample of SA men [9] Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and specifically HPV type 16 infection, causes up to a 50-fold increase in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The tumour may originate in the soft palate, tongue base, pharyngeal walls or tonsils.…”