STUDY OF THE PARTNERS OF WOMEN WITH HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION

Background. Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, and it has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development of dysplasia and can cer of the uterine cervix. The possible influence of male HPV lesions on female cervix oncogenesis has not been elucidated so far. In the pr esent study we evaluate the male partners of women with clinical or su bclinical Hpv infection with particular interest in the clinical featu res of this infection in both partners. Methods. We examined 81 male p artners of women affected with human papillomavirus infections. Condyl omata acuminata were searched for by visual inspection. Subclinical le sions were searched by 5 power optical magnification lens after applic ation of 5% acetic acid. Results. In men we observed the following per centage of infection: 67% of the partners of women affected with condy lomata acuminata, 46% of the partners of women affected with subclinic al lesions (acetic acid positive), and 40% of the partners of women wi th association Of HPV and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Conclusi ons. Our data stress that very often the partners of women with HPV su bclinical infection, especially when associated with CIN, do not prese nt lesions, and consequently primary prevention may be very difficult.