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. 2015 Dec 1:1:109-115.
doi: 10.1016/j.pvr.2015.06.007.

Seroconversion Following Anal and Genital HPV Infection in Men: The HIM Study

Anna R Giuliano  1 , Raphael Viscidi  2 , B Nelson Torres  1 , Donna J Ingles  1 , Staci L Sudenga  1 , Luisa L Villa  3 , Maria Luiza Baggio  4 , Martha Abrahamsen  1 , Manuel Quiterio  5 , Jorge Salmeron  6 , Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce  5
Affiliations

Seroconversion Following Anal and Genital HPV Infection in Men: The HIM Study

Anna R Giuliano et al. Papillomavirus Res. .

Abstract

Background: Protection from naturally acquired human papillomavirus (HPV) antibodies may influence HPV infection across the lifespan. This study describes seroconversion rates following genital, anal, and oral HPV 6/11/16/18 infections in men and examines differences by HPV type and anatomic site.

Methods: Men with HPV 6/11/16/18 infections who were seronegative for those genotypes at the time of DNA detection were selected from the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study. Sera specimens collected ≤36 months after detection were analyzed for HPV 6/11/16/18 antibodies using a virus-like particle-based ELISA. Time to seroconversion was separately assessed for each anatomic site, stratified by HPV type.

Results: Seroconversion to ≥1 HPV type (6/11/16/18) in this sub-cohort (N=384) varied by anatomic site, with 6.3, 18.9, and 0.0% seroconverting following anal, genital, and oral HPV infection, respectively. Regardless of anatomic site, seroconversion was highest for HPV 6 (19.3%). Overall, seroconversion was highest following anal HPV 6 infection (69.2%). HPV persistence was the only factor found to influence seroconversion.

Conclusions: Low seroconversion rates following HPV infection leave men susceptible to recurrent infections that can progress to HPV-related cancers. This emphasizes the need for HPV vaccination in men to ensure immune protection against new HPV infections and subsequent disease.

Keywords: HPV; HPV antibodies; human papillomavirus; men; seroconversion.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Time to seroconversion following: (a) genital or (b) anal infection with HPV 6, 11, 16, or 18.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Time to seroconversion following transient or persistent (≥ 6 month duration) genital infections with (a) HPV 6 or (b) HPV 16.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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