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Anal HPV detection in men who have sex with men living with HIV who report no recent anal sexual behaviours: baseline analysis of the Anal Cancer Examination (ACE) study
  1. Jason J Ong1,
  2. Marcus Chen2,3,
  3. Sepehr N Tabrizi4,5,6,
  4. Alyssa Cornall5,6,
  5. Suzanne M Garland5,6,7,
  6. Fengyi Jin8,
  7. B K Tee9,
  8. Beng Eu10,
  9. Christopher K Fairley2,3
  1. 1Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  2. 2Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
  3. 3Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
  4. 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  5. 5Regional HPV Lab Net Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  6. 6Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  7. 7Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  8. 8Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
  9. 9Centre Clinic, Victorian AIDS Council, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
  10. 10Prahran Market Clinic, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
  1. Correspondence to Dr Jason J Ong, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 580 Swanston Street, Parkville, VIC 3053, Australia; doctorjasonong{at}gmail.com, j.ong{at}unimelb.edu.au

Abstract

Objectives Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are at high risk of infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of anal cancer. We assess whether anal HPV DNA detection is related to recent anal sexual activity, what types of anal sexual activity or the persistence of HPV genotypes.

Methods We analysed anal swabs taken at the baseline of a 2-year prospective anal cancer screening study of MSM living with HIV from four HIV clinics in Melbourne, Australia. Anal HPV detection was stratified by age and anal sexual behaviours.

Results 281 anal swabs were included in the analysis. The majority (80%, 95% CI 75 to 84) of men were positive for any HPV; 59% (95% CI 53 to 65) were positive for high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) genotypes; and 31% (95% CI 26 to 36) men were positive for HPV 16 and/or 18 with no significant differences according to age groups (p>0.261). In men who reported no receptive anal sexual activity in the last six months (22%), hr-HPV was found in 53% (95% CI 41 to 65) for no anal sexual activity versus. 60% (95% CI 54 to 67) for anal sexual activity (p=0.320). HPV 16 and/or 18 was found in 26% (95% CI 16 to 38) for no anal sexual activity versus. 32% (95% CI 27 to 39) for anal sexual activity (p=0.320).

Conclusions Anal HPV in MSM living with HIV is detected in the majority of men throughout all age groups. Anal HPV detection remains high even in men reporting no anal sexual activity in the preceding six months.

  • HPV
  • HOMOSEXUALITY
  • HIV
  • SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR

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