Seroepidemiology of low and high oncogenic risk types of human papillomavirus in a predominantly male cohort of STD clinic patients

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infecting the genital tract are associated wit h warts and anogenital malignancies. Although HPV is a highly prevalent sex ually transmitted disease (STD), the majority of research has focused on fe male cohorts due to gender specific sequelae. Our objective was to measure the epidemiological features and seroprevalences of HPV-6/11 and 16 in a pr edominantly male group of STD clinic patients. High-risk individuals (n=687 ), who attended the public STD clinic were administered a behavioural quest ionnaire and serum tested for antibodies against HPV-6/11 and HPV-16 capsid s via capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Despite the male predomina nce in this study, women were significantly more likely to have antibodies against both HPV-6/11 and HPV-16. Condom use appeared to be partially prote ctive against HPV-16 seropositivity only. In conclusion, despite exhibiting increased risk behaviour, men were less likely to be HPV seropositive. Add itional studies utilizing male cohorts are warranted to further elucidate t his phenomenon.