Genital human papillomavirus infection in males undergoing voluntary medical circumcision for HIV infection prevention in selected Clinics in Lusaka City

Abstract

Background Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection that commonly affects both males and females, yet much of the information about it centres on women because it is associated with cervical cancer, the most common malignancy in women of child bearing age. In males, most HPV infections are harmless and have no symptoms, however in some people the infection may persist and lead to diseases of the genital area including ano-genital warts or cancer and one may pass it to a female partner without even knowing it. Objectives To study the prevalence and determinants of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among males going for voluntary medical male circumcision for HIV infection prevention in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods Males seeking Voluntary Medical Circumcision for HIV infection prevention and living in communities in Lusaka were recruited into the study. Baseline demographic and lifestyle data was collected and the penile foreskin specimens were tested for HPV DNA Results Overall HPV infection prevalence was 71.9%. The risk factors for HPV infection included being sexually active, multiple sex partners and age. Viral wart changes was the common abnormal histologic finding in the foreskins and it was associated with HPV infection in this study. Conclusion HPV infection among participants going for voluntary medical male circumcision for HIV infection prevention in Lusaka is high. Age and sexual activity appear to be risk factors for HPV infection.