Exploring the relationship between oral high-risk HPV infection and sexual behavior among over 400 medical professionals in Japan

Abstract

Objectives This study investigated the relationship between oral high-risk HPV (HR HPV) infection and sexual behavior in Japanese medical professionals. Materials and methods We collected oral specimens and a self-administered questionnaire from 234 men and 171 women. Results The oral HR HPV infection prevalence was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-7.2]) overall, 7.3% (95% CI: 4.6-11.3) for men, and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.3-4.2) for women. The number of sex partners had a significant influence on this prevalence, with variation by type of sexual behavior. The prevalence of oral HR HPV infection was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) among those with more than 20 lifetime overall sex partners (23.8%, 95% CI: 13.5-38.5) or oral sex partners (25.0%, 95% CI: 14.2-40.2). In terms of the number of vaginal sex partners, the prevalence was approximately the same for those with 6-10 (8.3%, 95% CI: 3.9-17.0), 11-20 (11.1%, 95% CI: 5.2-22.2), or more than 20 (11.5%, 95% CI: 4.0-29.0) partners (p = 0.0043). Furthermore, dividing the number of vaginal and oral sex partners into four categories (both>5, only vaginal>5, only oral>5, and both≤5), the infection prevalence was significantly higher when both vaginal and oral sex partners were more than five (12.5%, 95% CI: 7.7-19.6). The prevalence was also higher for those who had more oral than vaginal partners, compared with other groups (13.5%, 95% CI: 6.7-25.3). Conclusions and clinical relevance Oral HR HPV infection in Japan seems to be influenced by sexual behavior, and preventive health efforts such as vaccination and health education should be implemented.

Molecular characterization and risk factors of oral high‐risk human papillomavirus among females in Punjab, Pakistan

“…It may be because fewer participants had more than one sexual partner. However, contrary to the finding in previous studies, which reported that among OHPV positive infections, the number of sexual partners was greater 6,11,18,20,28 …”

“…When we stratified according to sexual behavior, we found that oral HR‐HPV positive was more frequently identified in females who have their first sexual debut at an early age, that is, between 14 and 18 years of age. A considerable decrease in the oral HR‐HPV positive was seen with the increasing age from the age at first sexual debut with a nonsignificant association among them, consistent with the studies conducted in Europe and Japan 27,28 . However, studies carried out in the United States and Peru 10,38 reported a significant association between OHPV positive and age at first sexual debut.…”

“…The highest and lowest prevalence of oral HR‐HPV was found in 35–44 and 14–24 years of age groups, respectively, with a nonsignificant association 19,23,26,28 . Though, a study by Gillison et al 18 reported bimodal age patterns and influential factors for OHPV infection.…”

“…Earlier studies recognized smoking as a significant factor for OHPV infection. 5,6,11,18,20,23,33 However, the current study did not find smoking a significant factor concerning oral HR-HPV infection, 19,27,28 possibly due to the small number of smokers because the current study population was females.…”

“…A considerable decrease in the oral HR-HPV positive was seen with the increasing age from the age at first sexual debut with a nonsignificant association among them, consistent with the studies conducted in Europe and Japan. 27,28 However, studies carried out in the United States and Peru 10,38 reported a significant association between OHPV positive and age at first sexual debut.…”