Objective: Different authors hypothesized an important impact of sexual behavior on the prevalence of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. In order to investigate this relationship more in detail and in contrast to most other studies, the present work focused on the population group with the highest risk for sexually transmitted infections: young and sexual active adults.
Materials and methods: Three hundred and ten men and women aged 18-30 years could be recruited. After the completion of a risk-factor survey, brush smear samples for oral HPV detection were taken in every participant.
Results: In 18.1 %, oral HPV could be detected. Overall, smoking (p = 0.0074) and a high number of different sexual partners (vaginal: p = 0.0001; oral: p < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with a positive HPV testing. In case of high risk HPV infections, besides tobacco and sexual behavior, alcohol consumption showed a significant association with a positive testing (p = 0.0212).
Conclusions: Overall, the prevalence of oral HPV seems to be higher in young, sexual active adults compared to other population groups. Tobacco and alcohol may facilitate an oral HPV infection. Sexual behavior, especially oral sex practices, seems to play a crucial role in the transmission of oral HPV.
Clinical relevance: The presented data, especially the association of oral high risk HPV positivity and promiscuity, may lead to improvements in the existing oral HPV prevention strategies like a HPV vaccination for both genders.
Keywords: Human papillomavirus; Oral HPV; Oral infection; Oral sex; Prevalence; Young adults.