High prevalence of high‐risk HPV genotypes in individuals attending an infectious diseases clinic from 2018 to 2022 in Milan, Italy

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, linked to several types of lesions. HPV, specifically HPV 16, accounts for most of anal cancer cases. In this study, we evaluated the proportion of samples tested positive for HPV and characterized genotypes distribution in anal specimens collected from individuals at risk of anal HPV infection attending from 2018 to 2022 a large Infectious Diseases Department in Italy. The presence of HPV DNA was investigated through a commercial kit detecting 12 HR‐HPV, 8 probable/possible HR‐HPV, and 8 LR‐HPV genotypes. Among 1514 samples, 84% (1266/1514) resulted positive for any type of HPV. The prevalence of high‐risk HPV types remained high during all the years of the study period, from 2018 to 2022, ranging from 65% to 73%. Most of HR‐HPV, LR‐HPV and HPV 16 positive samples were collected from men >45 years. HPV 16 was also the most frequent type in men and women. We did not observe significant variations between years in detection of HR‐HPV, instead of LR‐HPV, that significantly decreased. In conclusion, the high prevalence of oncogenic HPV genotypes underlines the necessity of clear anal HPV screening guidelines and, along with frequent HR‐HPV coinfections, reinforces the urge to intensify the anti‐HPV vaccination campaign.

Eliminating cervical cancer: Don't forget HPV test and vaccination in men

“…In particular, as of 2019, it has been estimated that only 5% of males have been exposed to at least one HPV vaccine shot in 22 countries with available vaccine data for males when compared to 20% of vaccine coverage in females in 95 countries. 9 A worrisomely low HPV vaccination coverage has also been reported in other recent studies both in people attending sexual health clinics 4 and in the general population. 10 To address this disparity, we must make efforts to increase HPV vaccination coverage among men.…”

“…Vaccination rates among men remain worrisomely low also in countries where vaccination offer has been extended to boys, 4 contributing to ongoing transmission and perpetuating the burden of HPV-related diseases in both men and women. In particular, as of 2019, it has been estimated that only 5% of males have been exposed to at least one HPV vaccine shot in 22 countries with available vaccine data for males when compared to 20% of vaccine coverage in females in 95 countries.…”

“…3 The prevalence of any type of HPV reached up to 86% in individuals reporting unprotected anal sexual intercourses and/or with a history of previous sexually transmitted infections. 4 Thus, in the aim of HPV-related diseases' eradication in women, we must not overlook the significant contribution of HPV transmission from men to women. 5 In particular, according to Liu et al, the risk of male-to-female transmission of HPV oncogenic types might be significantly higher than that of female-to-male transmission.…”