SEROPREVALENCE OF HUMAN-PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-6 AND TYPE-16 CAPSID ANTIBODIES IN HOMOSEXUAL MEN

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of anal carcinoma, which is increased in homosexual men. Little is known about the serologic response to HPV in normal or immunosuppressed men; therefore, HIV-infected and -uninfected homosexual men were screened for HPV-6 and -16 capsid antibodies. HIV-infected men had increased HP V DNA detection but did not significantly differ in the prevalence of serum HPV antibodies. HPV-6 DNA detection and the presence of anal war ts were significantly correlated with serum antibody overall and in th e HIV-infected subgroup. HPV-16 DNA detection was not significantly co rrelated with serum antibody overall or in either subgroup; however, H IV-infected men with high-grade anal squamous intraepithelial lesions were significantly more likely to have HPV-16 antibodies. HIV-infected men are able to generate an antibody response to HPV, and a lack of s erum HPV antibodies cannot explain the increased HPV-associated diseas e seen in HIV-infected men.