Genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in oral gargle specimens among men living with HIV in Mexico, Brazil, and Puerto Rico: A cross-sectional study.

Overview

OBJECTIVES: Assess the distribution of oral HPV genotypes and examine their associations with age and HIV-related factors among men living with HIV. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data from a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase III trial ('ULACNet-201'; NCT04255849) assessing the 9vHPV vaccine's efficacy in PLWH. Participants included men aged 20-50 years from Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, on antiretroviral therapy for ≥6 months. Oral HPV genotypes were assessed using the SPF₁₀ PCR-DEIA-LIPA₂₅ on oral gargles. Demographics and HIV-related characteristics were collected via questionnaires, and clinical assessments were conducted. ANOVA and chi-square tests assessed associations with age groups and HPV infection. RESULTS: Among 700 participants, oral HPV was detected in 27.9%, with HR-HPV detection at 11.0%. 4vHPV and 9vHPV types were detected in 4.9% and 8.9% participants, respectively. The most detected HR-HPV types were HPV 16 (2.4%), HPV 33 (2.0%), and HPV 52 (2.0%). No significant age-specific differences in oral HPV detected were observed. Higher detection rates of any HPV and HR-HPV were observed among participants with baseline CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm³ or a history of AIDS-defining conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Oral HPV genotyping in men with HIV reveals distinct oncogenic patterns, underscoring the need to monitor long-term OPSCC risk.