Prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus Infection of the Inner Foreskin in Boys

Abstract

Purpose HPV infection is the main risk factor for cervical carcinoma in 70 out of 100 cases. The aim of our prospective study was to investigate the epidemiology of human papilloma virus (HPV) and its colonization of the male genital tract in particular the inner layer of the foreskin. Material and Methods We examined anonymised foreskins of unselected 64 patients aged between 7 months and 13 years (mean 5.2) without any histories of sexual abuse or sexual activity. Indication for circumcision was phimosis. The presence of viral (HPV) nucleic acid (DNA) sequences in tissues could be demonstrated via in-situ hybridization (ISH) by using labelled DNA probes. For detection of HPV type 6 and 11 (low risk) as well as type 16 and 18 (high risk), the corresponding oligonucleotid probes were used and the process (ISH) was carried out according to the manufacturers protocol. Results The prevalence of low-risk HPV genotypes was 21.2 %, the prevalence of high-risk HPV DNA was 10.5 %. 82 % of the specimens showed inflammatory features, but no clinical apparent warts. Conclusions Our study revealed the occurrence of subclinical genital low and high risk HPV infections in boys which could be a reservoir for HPV-associated diseases in later life. Since it is proven that transfer results from sexual contact it is advisable to vaccinate not only girls but also boys before adolescence.