Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection Research Articles

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Infection in Young Sexual Minority Men: The P18 Cohort Study.

We examined the prevalence of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV in a cohort of young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men [sexual minority men (SMM)]. HPV vaccination uptake was assessed; HIV antibody testing was performed and genetic testing for oral and anal HPV infection was undertaken. We examined both HPV vaccination and infection in relation to key demographic and structural variables. Participants (n = 486) were on average 23 years old; 70% identified as a member of a racial/ethnic minority group, and 7% identified as transgender females. Only 18.1% of the participants indicated having received the full dosage of HPV vaccination and 45.1% were unvaccinated. Slightly over half the participants (58.6%) were infected with HPV, with 58.1% testing positive for anal infection and 8.8% for oral infection. HIV seropositivity was associated with infection to oral HPV [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.03] and vaccine-preventable HPV, whereas both neighborhood-level poverty (AOR = 1.68) and HIV infection (AOR = 31.13) were associated with anal infection to HPV (AOR = 1.68). Prevalence of HPV infection is high among unvaccinated young SMM, despite the availability and eligibility for vaccination. HPV infection adds further health burden to these populations and is particularly concerning for those who are HIV positive as HIV infection increases the risk of developing HPV-related cancers. These findings underscore a missed prevention opportunity for an at-risk and underserved population and suggest the need for active strategies to increase HPV vaccination uptake in young SMM before the onset of sexual behavior.

Oral immunization with bacteriophage MS2-L2 VLPs protects against oral and genital infection with multiple HPV types associated with head & neck cancers and cervical cancer

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted infections. HPVs are transmitted through anogenital sex or oral sex. Anogenital transmission/infection is associated with anogenital cancers and genital warts while oral transmission/infection is associated with head and neck cancers (HNCs) including recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Current HPV vaccines protect against HPV types associated with ∼90% of cervical cancers and are expected to protect against a percentage of HNCs. However, only a few studies have assessed the efficacy of current vaccines against oral HPV infections. We had previously developed a mixed MS2-L2 candidate HPV vaccine based on bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles (VLPs). The mixed MS2-L2 VLPs consisted of a mixture of two MS2-L2 VLPs displaying: i) a concatemer of L2 peptide (epitope 20–31) from HPV31 & L2 peptide (epitope 17–31) from HPV16 and ii) a consensus L2 peptide representing epitope 69–86. The mixed MS2-L2 VLPs neutralized/protected mice against six HPV types associated with ∼87% of cervical cancer. Here, we show that the mixed MS2-L2 VLPs can protect mice against additional HPV types; at the genital region, the VLPs protect against HPV53, 56, 11 and at the oral region, the VLPs protect against HPV16, 35, 39, 52, and 58. Thus, mixed MS2-L2 VLPs protect against eleven oncogenic HPV types associated with ∼95% of cervical cancer. The VLPs also have the potential to protect, orally, against the same oncogenic HPVs, associated with ∼99% of HNCs, including HPV11, which is associated with up to 32% of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Moreover, mixed MS2-L2 VLPs are thermostable at room temperature for up to 60 days after spray-freeze drying and they are protective against oral HPV infection.

Tobacco use and oral sex practice among dental clinic attendees.

Tobacco use and oral sex (OS) are important risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Little is known about the prevalence of OS practice in South Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OS practice and tobacco use in a South African patient population. This cross-sectional study used a structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco use, betel nut use and OS practice data from consenting adults (≥18 years; n = 850). Oral sex practices were recorded for patients 18–45 years-old (n = 514). Data analysis included chi-square and multiple logistic regression analyses. Of the study population, 55.2% (n = 468) were female, 88% (n = 748) self-identified as black Africans and 45.1% (n = 383) were unemployed. Furthermore, 19.7% (n = 167), 6.4% (n = 54) and 2.1% (n = 18) were current smokers, snuff users and betel nut users, respectively. Out of the 514 who answered the questionnaire in relation to OS, 22.8% (n = 115) reported to practice it. Oral sex practice in the age group 18–45 years was most common among the self-identified white participants (41.9%); and among tobacco users than among non-tobacco users (30.9% vs. 20.5%; p = 0.022). A multivariable-adjusted regression model showed that white South Africans were more likely to use tobacco than black Africans (OR = 5.25; 95% CI = 2.21–12.47). The practice of OS was more likely among those 18–35 years-old (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.01–2.74), but had no significant association with tobacco use (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.62–1.83). The observed age and ethnic differences in both risk behaviours suggest a need for targeted population intervention in order to reduce the risk for oral HPV infection.

Effect of vaccination against oral HPV-16 infection in high school students in the city of Cali, Colombia

IntroductionIn recent years, an association between HPV-16 and oropharyngeal cancers has been reported. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether vaccination decreases the exposure of HPV-16 in the oral cavity. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of vaccination on oral HPV-16 infection in high school students in the city of Cali, Colombia. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, HPV-16 DNA was detected in samples from the oral cavity and throat of 1,784 high school students of both genders, aged 14–17 years old, in 21 schools in the city of Cali, Colombia. The number in vaccinated girls were 944 vs., 95 unvaccinated girls and 745 unvaccinated boys. ResultsThe HPV exposure percentages were: 0.7% in vaccinated girls, 3.2% in unvaccinated girls and 2.3% in unvaccinated boys. The odds ratio (OR) of detection of HPV-16 in vaccinated versus unvaccinated students was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.07–0.88), representing a 72% reduction in HPV-16 detection in students immunized with two doses. The odds of detection of HPV-16 in unvaccinated male students were 3.6 times those of vaccinated girls (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.21–12.81) and increased to almost eight-fold in boys who had initiated sexual activity (OR = 7.74, 95% CI: 1.53–75.09). ConclusionsHPV vaccination was associated with the reduction of HPV-16 exposure percentages in the oral and oropharyngeal cavity.

Combined Testing of p16 Tumour-suppressor Protein and Human Papillomavirus in Patients With Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a potentially malignant oral mucosal disorder. A casual association between OL, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been suggested, but no conclusive evidence has been presented. p16, a tumour-suppressor protein, is used as a surrogate marker for HPV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate how overexpression of p16 correlates with HPV infection in OL and in OSCC. Seventy-four patients with OL and 13 with OSCC with p16 overexpressed, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry visualizing p16 and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 52, 56, 58 and 59. Overexpression of p16 was observed in 18% of patients with OL. None of the HPV subtypes were detected by PCR analysis in patients with OL. In the p16-positive OSCC specimens, 38% were also HPV16-positive. Overexpression of p16 was not found to be a reliable biomarker for HPV infection in patients with OL and OSCC.

Is Human Papilloma Virus Infection Linked to Periodontitis? A Narrative Review.

Research suggests that periodontal tissue might serve as a reservoir for oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, while another hypothesis is that chronic inflammation of the tissue might perpetuate an infection with oral HPV infection. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence related to a potential association between oral HPV infection and periodontitis. Twelve articles were identified, and their key findings summarized. Studies vary in sample size, study population, study design, and methods for assessment of oral HPV and periodontitis. Although results are conflicting and still inconclusive, various studies have found an association between oral HPV infection and periodontitis, which is supported by biological plausibility. Future longitudinal studies should further evaluate this association, using clinical definitions of oral HPV infection and periodontitis, and focusing on high-risk populations for oral HPV infection. Studying this association is important since periodontitis might help identify at-risk individuals for oral HPV infection and potentially HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.

Increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers mediated by oral human papillomavirus infection: Results from a Canadian study.

This study aimed to estimate the extent to which oral sex behavior is associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs), and how much of the association is mediated by oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We used data from a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Montreal, Canada. Information on oral sex behaviors was collected. Oral rinse and oral brush specimens were analyzed for HPV positivity and genotyping. Logistic regression estimated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between oral sex behaviors and OPC. Onset of oral sex practice at age 16 years or younger had an increased risk of OPCs relative to those with onset after age 30 years (OR = 2.98; 95% CI 1.37-6.47). This association decreased (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 0.25-4.71) when restricted to those positive for HPV. Our results suggest that the association between oral sex and OPC seems mediated by oral HPV infection.

Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Rural Northwest Cameroon

ObjectiveOral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the precursor for a growing subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) in the developed world. This study was designed to characterize oral HPV infection and OPSCC in a region with high rates of HPV-driven cervical cancer.Study DesignCross-sectional cohort study, retrospective case series.SettingNorthwest Cameroon referral hospital.Subjects and MethodsIndividuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus attending an outpatient clinic were evaluated for oral HPV infection with oral swabs or rinses that were tested for 51 HPV types. HNSCCs diagnosed and/or treated at the same hospital from 2011 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed to ascertain demographic and tumor characteristics, and available OPSCCs were tested for HPV.ResultsThe oral HPV infection study population comprised 101 participants. Most (69%) were female and never-smokers (84%). Participants had median 4 lifetime sexual partners (interquartile range, 3-7; range, 1-100). Five participants (5%) had oral HPV infection; one had 2 HPV types. HPV types detected were HPV68 (n = 2), HPV82 (n = 2), HPV32 (n = 1), and unknown (n = 1). No significant demographic or behavioral differences were detected among individuals with vs without oral HPV infection. OPSCCs comprised just 8% (n = 11) of 131 HNSCCs in the retrospective study population. Two of 7 OPSCCs were HPV positive.ConclusionThe low prevalence of OPSCC observed in northwest Cameroon together with the rarity of oral HPV infection suggests low rates of HPV-driven oropharyngeal carcinogenesis in the region. Future research should examine how geographic differences in oral HPV infection are influenced by cultural norms and affect HPV-OPSCC epidemiology.

High Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus on Anal and Oral Samples from Men and Women with External Anogenital Warts: The HERCOLES Study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is highly prevalent in the sexually active population. This study estimates the prevalence of HPV DNA in anal and oral samples from a cohort of men and women with incident anogenital warts. Anal and/or oral samples from 541 patients with anogenital warts were tested for 35 HPV genotypes using a PCR assay. The overall prevalence of anal HPV and oral HPV DNA was 59.9% (n = 305/509; 95% confidence interval (CI) 55.6-64.1%) and 14.5% (n = 78/538; 95% CI 11.8-17.7%), respectively. Among patients with perianal warts, the anal HPV DNA prevalence was 92.3% (95% CI 87.0-95.5%). Anal HPV DNA prevalence in patients with genital warts but no perianal warts was 55.7% (95% CI 50.6-60.7%). Both anal and oral HPV infections were more common in men who have sex with men than in heterosexual men (90.4% versus 38.5% and 20.8% versus 11.8%, respectively). Anal high risk-HPV infection was more common in women (58.8%) and in men who have sex with men (67.7%). We found that anogenital warts represent a clinical marker for both anal and oral HPV infections, including anal high risk-HPV infections, particularly among women and men who have sex with men.

Unusual presentation of a disseminated oral HPV infection after combined antiretroviral therapy initiation

ABSTRACTHPV clinical manifestations have their characteristics modified by the use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), although its incidence is unaffected by cART. We report an unusual presentation of oral HPV infection and discuss an effective treatment for disseminated HPV lesions. A 52-year-old male of Asian-origin, HIV-seropositive, presented with extensive nodular lesions throughout the oral mucosa extending to the oropharyngeal region. Biopsy followed by histopathological examination and HPV genotyping were performed. The treatment was initiated with topical application of podophyllin and trichloroacetic acid. HPV lesions in oral mucosa are generally easy to handle. Extensive lesions can make it difficult to choose an effective treatment that meets the patient’s particularities and medication availability.

Might Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection in Healthy Individuals Explain Differences in HPV-Attributable Fractions in Oropharyngeal Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Differences in oral human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and contrasts in HPV-attributable fractions (AFs) in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) have not been evaluated in depth. A systematic review was performed to identify studies in which at least 50 healthy individuals were tested for oral HPV infection. Information on sex, age, tobacco/alcohol consumption, sex practices, specimen collection, HPV detection, and population type was extracted. Prevalences were pooled using random-effects models for meta-analyses of binomial data. Correlations were assessed by the Spearman test. Forty-eight reports comprising 28 544 individuals fulfilled inclusion criteria. Global oral HPV prevalence was 4.9%. Estimates were highest in Europe, although regional differences were not statistically significant. HPV16 prevalence was 1.0% globally, and regional differences became statistically significant. A lifetime history of >6 sex partners showed a higher risk of oral HPV infection. The age-specific HPV distribution revealed a prevalence of ≥5% over 40 years of age and a lower prevalence at younger ages. There was no association between oral HPV prevalence and HPV-AFs or age-standardized rates (ASRs) of OPC, genital HPV in healthy women, or tobacco use. Differences in HPV-AFs or ASRs of OPC cannot be explained by differences in the prevalence of oral HPV infection across healthy populations. Consistent research on determinants of oral HPV prevalence, acquisition, clearance, and persistence is warranted.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Effectiveness and Potential Herd Immunity for Reducing Oncogenic Oropharyngeal HPV-16 Prevalence in the United Kingdom: A Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundOropharyngeal cancer incidence is rapidly rising due to human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 infection. The dearth of data on effectiveness of national female-only vaccination programs in preventing oral HPV infection and potential herd immunity in unvaccinated males has resulted in considerable controversy regarding the need to vaccinate males, especially in countries with high female vaccination coverage.MethodsSubjects aged 0–65 years undergoing tonsillectomy for nonmalignant indications were recruited in 6 hospitals in the United Kingdom. Oral samples were collected as follows: oral rinse, tongue base, and pharyngeal wall brushes, then tonsil tissue (tonsillectomy). Vaccination data were obtained from regional health authorities. All samples were centrally tested for HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsOf 940 subjects, 243 females and 69 males were aged 12–24 years (median age, 18.6 years), with 189 (78%) females and no males vaccinated against HPV. Overall, oropharyngeal HPV-16 prevalence was significantly lower in vaccinated versus unvaccinated females (0.5% vs 5.6%, P = .04). In contrast, prevalence of any oropharyngeal HPV type was similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated females (19% vs 20%, P = .76). Oropharyngeal HPV-16 prevalence in unvaccinated males was similar to vaccinated females (0% vs 0.5%, P > .99), and lower than unvaccinated females (0% vs 5.6%, P = .08).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the UK female-only vaccination program is associated with significant reductions in oropharyngeal HPV-16 infections. These are also the first data to suggest potential herd immunity from female-only vaccination against oropharyngeal HPV infection in contemporaneously aged males.

Prevalence and risk factors for oral human papillomavirus infection in Mexican HIV-infected men

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for oral high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infec- tion in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected men. Consecutive male outpatients with HIV-infection were enrolled. Demographic and behav- ioral risk data were obtained. Anal swabs and oral rinses were tested for HR-HPV DNA. Oral, pharyngeal and video laryngoscopy examinations were performed for detection of lesions. The prevalence of HR-HPV oral infection was 9.3% (subtypes other than HR HPV 16/18 predominated). The prevalence of anal HR-HPV infection was 75.7%. The risk factors for oral infection with HR-HPV were tonsillectomy (OR=13.12) and years from HIV diagnosis (OR=1.17). Tonsillectomy and years from HIV diagnosis were associated with oral HPV infection. No association was found between oral and anal HR-HPV infections. This is the first study reporting the prevalence and risk factors for oral HR-HPV infection in Mexican HIV-infected population.

HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer in the HIV/AIDS Patient.

Since their discovery as the etiologic agents of cervical cancer in the mid-1970s, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been linked with a growing number of epithelial-derived tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. HPV demonstrates a particular predilection for causing tumors of the oropharynx, with the majority of cases involving infection with high-oncogenic risk HPV-16. People living with HIV are at increased risk of infection with HPV- and HPV-related oral complications even with adequate control of their HIV infection with antiretroviral therapy. In this chapter, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie HPV-mediated oncogenesis in the oropharynx. We also describe the progress that has been made in understanding the epidemiology of oral HPV infection and the determinants of oral HPV-related pathology. Finally, we examine what can be done to treat and prevent oral HPV infection, benign lesions, and cancer, particularly in the context of the HIV-positive patient.

Comparison of PapilloCheck and Linear Array to Detect and Differentiate Human Papillomaviruses in Cervical and Tonsillar Smears from Females with Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions.

A subgroup of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are causally linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs). To evaluate the prevalence of simultaneous oral HPV infection in females with cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), tonsillar- and cervical smears were collected simultaneously from 73 patients and analyzed for HPV using two commercial assays, PapilloCheck (Greiner-Bio-One) and Linear Array (Roche). Only 3/73 (4.1%) tonsillar smears were HPV positive (HPV+), with HPV types 16, 35, and 45, respectively, detected by both assays (100% agreement). Concordant results were also found in 60/66 (91%) evaluable cervical smears. Of specimens, positive by both assays, typing results completely coincide in 71% (all types are identical) and partially coincide in 27% (at least one type is identical). Taken together, results of HPV detection and typing by PapilloCheck and Linear Array are highly congruent and confirm the low prevalence of HR-HPV in tonsillar smears of patients with HSIL of the uterine cervix. Our data indicate low prevalence of oropharyngeal HPV infection in patients with high-grade cervical dysplasia. The low detection rate was confirmed by using two different commercial assays with largely consistent results of HPV detection and typing, but with some variation for particular HPV types. Comparative testing of larger numbers is required to identify the HPV types prone to escape detection with particular assays.

Vaccines for your child: Human papillomavirus

Vaccines for your child: Human papillomavirus

Barrier use during oro‐genital sex and oral Human Papillomavirus prevalence: Analysis of NHANES 2009–2014

The incidence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas is increasing. Oral HPV infection is acquired through oro-genital contact. We examined the association between barrier use during oro-genital sex and oral HPV 16/18 prevalence in HPV unvaccinated individuals. A cross-sectional analysis of individuals aged 18-59years with a history of oro-genital sex was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for gender, total number of oro-genital sex partners, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Using NHANES sample weights, analysis was weighted for national representation. Sample of 4,357 individuals represented 68,680,333 individuals nationally. 6.6% reported always or usually using a barrier during oro-genital sex, and 1.3% were positive for oral HPV 16/18 infection. In the adjusted analysis, barrier users were less likely to be oral HPV 16/18 positive, as compared to those who did not report using a barrier (RR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.04-0.97; p<0.05). Using barrier during oro-genital sex might help to reduce oral HPV 16/18 prevalence. Hence, the use of a barrier should be promoted not only during vaginal but also during oro-genital sex. This finding is particularly important among HPV unvaccinated individuals.

PCR Technique Assisting the Early Diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus A retrospective clinical study

The number of oral cancers associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is increasing worldwide. The purpose of this retrospective clinical trial is to investigate the relationship between genital and oral HPV infection and to observe the possibilities of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and the limitations for oral HPV infection. The results of genital and oral HPV screening of 34 female patients and their partner, and 14 single female patients were processed in a private practice in Budapest between 2012 and 2015. After brush-biopsy sampling, HPV DNA identification and typing were performed using PCR technique. All in all 164 samples were typed. HPV DNA was detected in 76 cases (48.20%). HPV was detected in 55 cases from the genital samples (67%), and in 21 cases from the oral samples (25.6%). Genital HPV infection was statistically significantly higher in women (79.2% vs 22,9%, p[0.001). Gender comparison of genital HPV infection showed a statistically significant difference (79.2% for women, 50% for men, p = 0.006). In case of genital HPV infection, the oral HPV infection of the same person is more frequent. In this study, the above mentioned difference is significant for women and not significant for men. HPV16 is the HPV genotype which was identified in the highest ratio(47.2%). PCR technique is capable of the detection of oral HPV infection, but follow-up studies with higher case number , and questionnaire studies are needed to understand HPV transmission more accurately.

Human papillomavirus prevalence and behavioral risk factors among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men in Taiwan.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with cancer and can be prevented through vaccination. Few studies from Taiwan have reported on HPV infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of HPV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) with and without HIV infection in Taiwan, and explore the behavioral risk factors thereof.We conducted a cross-sectional study in Taiwan during 2013 to 2016 to collect data on MSM aged 20 years or older. We used a questionnaire in a face-to-face interview, and subsequently collected oral, anal, and genital specimens from HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected subjects. Multivariate analysis was performed to predict factors associated with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) positivity.Overall, 279 subjects, including 166 (59.5%) HIV-uninfected and 113 (40.5%) HIV-infected men were enrolled. Compared to HPV-negative subjects, HPV-positive subjects had significantly higher rates of receptive anal sex (91.3% vs 75.6%), substance use (22.6% vs 11%), history of sexually transmitted infections (75.7% vs 38.4%), anogenital or oral warts (39.1% vs 6.72%), syphilis (32.2% vs 11.6%), and HIV infection (69.6% vs 20.1%). We detected 489 HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) types (through 379 viable specimens), of which 43.6%, 5.7%, 56.4%, and 10.4% were HR-HPV type, HPV type 16, low-risk HPV types, and HPV type 6, respectively. In multivariate analysis, HIV-infected subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of HR-HPV infection (adjusted odds ratio, 5.80; 95% confidence interval, 2.57–13.11), compared to HIV-uninfected subjects.These results suggest that the prevalence of HPV infection was high among HIV-infected MSM. Additionally, anal HPV infection was observed to be common among both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected MSM in Taiwan. The prevalence of oral and genital HPV infection, HR-HPV DNA types, and multiple HPV types was higher in HIV-infected subjects than in HIV-uninfected subjects. As only 35% of subjects practiced safe sex, we recommend routine HPV vaccination with 4-valent HPV or 9-valent HPV vaccines for both MSM, and HIV-infected subjects.

Prevalence and concordance of oral and genital HPV in women positive for cervical HPV infection and in their sexual stable partners: An Italian screening study.

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and type of oral HPV-infection in women with a cervical HPV-lesion and in the oral and genital mucosa of their male partners.MethodsThe study group comprised 44 sexually-active women, 20–45 years with abnormal PAP smear, not more than 6 months prior to referral together with the male partners cohabiting in stable partnerships. A detailed questionnaire was administered concerning the HPV-related risk factors. Oral swabs, oral rinses, cervical swabs and urine samples were collected. HPV DNA was detected using two different polymerase chain reactions (PCRs): MY09-11 and FAP59-64. Positive samples were genotyped by Sanger sequencing and the INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra II probe assay. The association with risk factors was assessed by fitting a generalized model, using the General Linear Model function in the R-software; correlations were calculated between all data.ResultsHPV was detected in 84% of Cervical Samples, in 24.3% of oral samples and in one urine sample. Only 27% of the HPV-positive results were identical with both PCR DNA assays.8 male had oral HPV-positive samples different from women cervical samples. In one couple the urine-male sample had the same HPV present in the female-cervical sample. A significant association resulted between women/oral sex practices and men/n. of partners.ConclusionsThis study reports that women (20.4%) with a diagnosis of cervical-HPV and their male partners (30,7%) are at high risk for subclinical oral HPV infection.