(Giedre Peseckyte/ EURACTIV) — A study found that almost one in three men worldwide is infected with at least one genital human papillomavirus (HPV), further evidencing the importance of including men in vaccination strategies.
The study, published in the leading scientific journal The Lancet on Tuesday (15 August), estimated that the global pooled prevalence for genital HPV infection among men is 31% for any HPV and 21% for high-risk HPV, on the basis of data from 65 studies conducted between Jan 1 1995, and June 1 2022.
“Sexually active men, regardless of age, are an important reservoir of HPV genital infection,” the study said.
The findings underline the need for men to be incorporated into comprehensive HPV prevention strategies to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality and ultimately achieve the elimination of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection worldwide, with most sexually active men and women acquiring at least one genital HPV infection during their lives. (…)