Anal HPV detection in men who have sex with men living with HIV who report no recent anal sexual behaviours: Baseline analysis of the Anal Cancer Examination (ACE) study

Abstract

Objectives Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are at high risk of infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of anal cancer. We assess whether anal HPV DNA detection is related to recent anal sexual activity, what types of anal sexual activity or the persistence of HPV genotypes. Methods We analysed anal swabs taken at the baseline of a 2-year prospective anal cancer screening study of MSM living with HIV from four HIV clinics in Melbourne, Australia. Anal HPV detection was stratified by age and anal sexual behaviours. Results 281 anal swabs were included in the analysis. The majority (80%, 95% CI 75 to 84) of men were positive for any HPV; 59% (95% CI 53 to ..