Smoking ups risk of anal HPV infection in men

Both the prevalence and incidence of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are higher among men who are current smokers than among their peers who have never smoked, according to data from the multinational HPV Infection in Men (HIM) study.

HIM enrolled HIV-negative men, all of whom provided anal specimens at baseline and follow-up visits. Researchers used a linear array to facilitate HPV genotyping. They assessed the association of smoking with anal HPV prevalence and incidence using prevalence ratios (PRs) and odds ratios (OR), respectively.

Compared with never smokers, current smokers had an elevated risk of any anal HPV, with a significantly higher prevalence (adjusted PR, 1.36, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.73), incidence (adjusted OR, 1.74, 95 percent CI, 1.26–2.39), and ≥12-month persistence (adjusted OR, 1.67, 95 percent CI, 1.19–2.33).

Meanwhile, there were no marked differences in the prevalence, incidence, or persistence of anal HPV between former and never smokers.

Among men who have sex with men, smoking status had no influence on the prevalence or persistence of anal HPV but was associated with higher incidence of high-risk HPV. Among men that have sex with women, on the other hand, current smokers had an increased prevalence and incidence of low-risk HPV compared with never smokers.

While further research is needed to validate the findings, this study highlights the need for prevention initiatives that aim to raise awareness about smoking as a risk factor of anal HPV infection and anal cancer.