[HPV-related diseases and screening program in male partners]

Infez Med. 2011 Sep;19(3):176-81.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. The main risk factor for infection of the female population is the heterosexual transmission with partners who are infected with human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infection is very common in sexually active males, and it is the most common STDs. In our experience the prevalence of infection is just under 50%. There are careful and well-established procedures that are applied to women with HPV; on the contrary, with regard to male population, there is, often, less focus and less sensitivity during both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The objectives of this study respond to two specific questions: 1. Is it useful to control male partner? 2. What tests are advisable and necessary for a proper definition of the problem? In this study 160 male patients, partners of patients with HPV infection, were examined by peniscopia, the search for HPV-DNA and biopsy of the penis. The study results show that the percentage of HPV infection of the male partners of women with HPV infection is quite high, ranging from 47 to 49% in relation to the methods used. The prevalence of patients with high-risk virus which stands at over 60%. Moreover, from 17.5% to 40.5%, we observed an infection with multiple genotypes of which is known as a hazard factor of aggravation and persistence of HPV infection. In conclusion, HPV-related diseases is a clinical infection of the couple and it is obvious that to the couple should be given great attention. For an important and effective prevention of transmission of HPV from the male subject to viruses to woman, and for the prevention ping-pong effect, it is essential to submit all the male partners of women infected with HPV peniscopia, HPV tests, and possibly a biopsy of the penis.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alphapapillomavirus / genetics
  • Alphapapillomavirus / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Heterosexuality*
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / transmission
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Penis / virology
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Partners