31% of Young Men Infected with HPV

The epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) in men is less known than in women, according to research in a study published in The Lancet Global Health.

In early September 2023, a group of researchers published a global systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the prevalence of genital HPV infection in the male population.

They identified 5,685 publications from database searches, of which 65 studies were included from 35 countries.

The pooled prevalence was 31% (95% CI 27–35) for any HPV.

And 21% (18–24) for HR-HPV.

HPV-16 was the most prevalent HPV genotype (5%, 95% CI 4–7), followed by HPV-6 (4%, 3–5).

HPV prevalence was high in young adults, reaching a maximum between 25 and 29 years.

Pooled prevalence estimates were similar for the UN Sustainable Development Goal geographical regions of Europe and Northern America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania.

However, the estimates for Eastern and South-Eastern Asia were half that of the other regions.

Our findings show that HPV prevalence is high in men over the age of 15 years and support that sexually active men, regardless of age, are an important reservoir of HPV genital infection, wrote these researchers.

These estimates emphasize the importance of incorporating men in comprehensive HPV prevention strategies to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality in men and ultimately eliminate cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases in women.

As of September 5, 2023, there are various HPV vaccines available.

This study was not funded by industry.