Genotype of Human Papilloma virus in Male Genital Warts In Korean Men and Review of Literature

PurposeGenital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and are known to develop due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially HPV types 6 and 11. However, their prevalence and subtypes in male genital warts remains poorly defined. HPV vaccine is administered to men in part to prevent anogenital warts and it is important to investigate their expected impact in male anogenital warts. Materials and MethodsWe have herein conducted a multicenter, prospective study to analyze HPV type distribution in genital warts of 1000 Korean men by using DNA microarray that can detect 40 types of genital HPV. Results1000 out of 1015 genital warts showed HPV DNA. Out of 1000 HPV-positive samples, 18.8% showed mixed infection and 81.2% showed single infection. Of 18 high-risk (16.2%) and 14 low-risk (94.3%) HPV types detected, the most common type of HPV types were HPV6 (59.5%), followed by HPV11 (24.3%), HPV16 (5.8%), HPV91 (5.3%), HPV40 (3.3%). 85.9% showed the 9 HPV types covered by the vaccine. Sixteen of the 200 HPV specimens submitted for sequencing showed discrepant results compared to the DNA sequencing. ConclusionsMale genital warts predominantly show low-risk type HPV (HPV 6 and 11). However, high-risk HPV is not uncommon and the role of high-risk HPV in genital warts may be considered. The Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine is expected to provide protection against about >80% of male genital warts. Further HPV typing studies in male genital warts are necessary in other races and geographical areas to define the role and management of high-risk type HPV in male genital warts.