A new study has unveiled crucial information about the incidence and risk factors of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among men in the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

Moffitt Cancer Centre researchers have discovered how often new oral HPV infections occur, the factors influencing their acquisition and the regional variations in infection rates.

Their study, published in Nature Microbiology, sheds new light on the risks associated with oral HPV, which is linked to up to 90% of all oropharyngeal cancer cases in men in the U.S.

Led by Anna Giuliano, Ph.D., the study found the risk of acquiring oral HPV was notably higher in the U.S. compared to Brazil and Mexico.

The incidence rates for HPV remained stable over time, indicating a persistent risk.

The study also identified several key factors associated with higher risk of oral HPV infection:

• Age: Men remain susceptible to acquiring new oral HPV infections throughout their lifetime
• Education Level: Men with higher education had an increased risk of infection.
• Alcohol Consumption: Higher alcohol intake was linked to a greater risk.
• Sexual Behaviour: Risk was elevated among men with multiple female sexual partners, those who frequently performed oral sex and those with male sexual partners.
• Oral Health: Losing teeth due to oral disease was also associated with a marginally increased risk.

“Our study underscores the importance of continued vigilance against oral HPV infections,” said Giuliano, founder of the Centre for Immunisation and Infection Research in Cancer at Moffitt.

“The consistent rate of HPV acquisition across ages and the significant regional variations call for tailored vaccination strategies and greater awareness to help prevent HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.”

These findings emphasise the ongoing risk of oral HPV infections throughout a man’s life and highlight the need for improved public health strategies.

The study advocates for gender-neutral HPV vaccination programmes and catch-up vaccinations for midadult aged men who missed earlier opportunities for immunisation.

“Our work highlights the critical need for public health initiatives that address both sexual behaviours and lifestyle factors,” said Racheal Mandishora, Ph.D., an applied research scientist in the Cancer Epidemiology Department at Moffitt.

“By improving education and vaccination coverage, we can significantly reduce the incidence of oral HPV and its associated risks.”

The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 9 to 26.

Adults between 27 and 45 who have not previously been vaccinated are also eligible.

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01CA214588) and the National Cancer Institute (P30CA076292).

Source: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute