Human papillomavirus DNA detection in sperm using polymerase chain reaction

Objective: To detect human papillomavirus (HPV) in semen and find if sperm washing removes HPV DNA. Methods: Amplification by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used t o detect viral DNA sequences in semen samples from 85 volunteers. Forty-fiv e men had historical or clinical evidence of genital HPV infection (study g roup) and 40 were healthy, clinically HPV-negative semen donors. Results: We detected HPV DNA in the sperm cells of 24 of 45 subjects (53%) with past or current HPV infections in contrast to three of 40 healthy subj ects (8%) (P < .001). Overall, PCR detected HPV in 21 of 32 subjects (66%) with identifiable lesions and six of 53 (11%) without them (P < .001). Swim -up washings of all 27 prewash sperm cells with HPV reduced cellular HPV DN A below detectable levels in only two cases. Conclusion: HPV is present in sperm cells from infected and apparently heal thy subjects, and sperm washing does not eliminate the risk of HPV transmis sion to recipients. We suggest that HPV DNA testing should be done on the s emen of prospective donors, and those with positive tests should be exclude d from donation. (C) 2001 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gyne cologists.