Detection of human papillomavirus DNA on the external genitalia of healthy men and male patients with urethritis

Background. Only a few studies have been done involving detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA on the external genitalia of men without genital warts, although many have been done for women. We conducted HPV DNA detection among healthy male volunteers and men with urethritis, both having no visible lesions on their external genitalia. Goal. The goal of the study was to determine the detection rate of HPV DNA in volunteers and patients with urethritis and to determine risk factor(s) for positive DNA. Study Design: This was a prospective clinical study. Results: HPV DNA was found in 1.3% of 75 volunteers and in 18.5% of 130 patients with urethritis. DNA of a high-intermediate oncogenic risk was more predominant than the low-risk type. Among various risk factors, only a history of STD was a significant factor for the positive detection of HPV DNA in multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: HPV DNA was found in patients with urethritis more frequently than in volunteers, probably because the former had higher sexual activity.