The HPV infection in males: an update

Ann Ig. 2012 Nov-Dec;24(6):497-506.

Abstract

The role of Human papillomavirus (HPV) in malignant and non-malignant genital diseases in females is well known and the corresponding epidemiological burden has been widely described, in males instead, less is known about the role of the virus in anal, penile and head and neck cancer, and the burden of malignant and non-malignant HPV-related diseases. There are many types of HPV that can infect the epithelium: some types can cause genital warts (low risk genotype), other types (high risk genotypes) can cause cancers of the penis, anus or oropharynx. Relative to females, males tend to be less knowledgeable about the infection: some may view its consequences as less likely and severe for themselves than for females, and thus could perceive vaccination as unnecessary. Including boys in the vaccination program generally exceeded conventional thresholds of good value for money, even under favorable conditions of vaccine protection and health benefits; however, uncertainty still exists in many areas that can either strengthen or attenuate the findings achieved.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alphapapillomavirus* / immunology
  • Anus Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Anus Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Anus Neoplasms / virology
  • Child
  • Condylomata Acuminata / epidemiology
  • Condylomata Acuminata / immunology
  • Condylomata Acuminata / prevention & control
  • Condylomata Acuminata / virology
  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / virology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / immunology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / immunology
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Penile Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Penile Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Penile Neoplasms / virology
  • Prevalence
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Vaccination* / methods

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines