Background: Differences in human papillomavirus (HPV) seroprevalence by sex have been observed, likely due to differences in the anatomic site of HPV exposure. Seroconversion may be more likely after exposure at nonkeratinized (mucosal) compared to keratinized epithelium. We compared seroprevalence among self-identified gay/bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM) and females, 2 groups more likely exposed at mucosal epithelium, and men who only have sex with women (MSW), a group likely exposed primarily at keratinized epithelium, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2010.
Methods: HPV 6/11/16/18 serum antibody was detected using a multiplexed, competitive luminex immunoassay. Weighted seroprevalence was estimated among unvaccinated, sexually experienced 18-59 year-old MSM, MSW, and females, overall and by demographic and sexual behavior characteristics. Seroprevalences were compared using prevalence ratios adjusted for sexual behavior (aPRs).
Results: Overall, seroprevalence in MSM, MSW, and females was 42.6%, 13.2%, and 37.1%, respectively. Seroprevalence in MSM was comparable to females (aPR: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-1.08) and higher than MSW (aPR: 2.72, 95% CI: 2.19-3.38). MSW had a significantly lower seroprevalence than females (aPR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.28-0.34). Similar associations were seen in all sociodemographic subgroups. Seroprevalence increased with number of lifetime sex partners in all groups.
Conclusions: In this population-based survey, HPV seroprevalence among groups likely exposed at mucosal epithelium (MSM, females) was comparable; seroprevalence in both groups was higher than in MSW. Future research could explore whether differences in seropositivity following infection result in differential protection from future infection.
Keywords: MSM; NHANES; human papillomavirus; seroprevalence; sex differences.
Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2018.