Oral HPV detected in 27.9% of men living with HIV across Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico

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The Journal of infection Published June 1, 2026 Medically reviewed June 1, 2026 Study authors: Beltrame Anna, Giuliano Anna R, Villa Luisa L, Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo, Santana-Bagur Jorge, Allen-Lei… PubMed ↗ NCT04255849 ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

Key Takeaway

Note higher oral HPV detection in men with HIV and low CD4 counts.

This cross-sectional study evaluated oral HPV distribution among 700 men living with HIV in Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The primary outcome measured the distribution of oral HPV genotypes. Secondary outcomes included associations with age and HIV-related factors. Oral HPV detection was observed in 27.9% of the population. High-risk HPV detection occurred in 11.0% of participants. Detection of HPV 16 was found in 2.4% of the cohort. HPV 33 and HPV 52 were each detected in 2.0% of participants. HPV 9v detection was observed in 8.9% of the group. No significant differences were observed regarding age-specific variations in oral HPV. Higher detection rates were observed among participants with baseline CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm³. Additionally, higher detection rates were observed among participants with a history of AIDS-defining conditions. Safety data, adverse events, and discontinuations were not reported. Tolerability was not reported. The study design is cross-sectional, which limits causal inference. The practice relevance underscores the need to monitor long-term OPSCC risk.

Study Details

Study typeRct

Sample sizen = 700

EvidenceLevel 2

Follow-up600.0 mo

PublishedJun 2026

PMID42070588

TrialNCT04255849

View Original Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVES: Assess the distribution of oral HPV genotypes and examine their associations with age and HIV-related factors among men living with HIV. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data from a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase III trial ('ULACNet-201'; NCT04255849) assessing the 9vHPV vaccine's efficacy in PLWH. Participants included men aged 20-50 years from Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, on antiretroviral therapy for ≥6 months. Oral HPV genotypes were assessed using the SPF PCR-DEIA-LIPA on oral gargles. Demographics and HIV-related characteristics were collected via questionnaires, and clinical assessments were conducted. ANOVA and chi-square tests assessed associations with age groups and HPV infection. RESULTS: Among 700 participants, oral HPV was detected in 27.9%, with HR-HPV detection at 11.0%. 4vHPV and 9vHPV types were detected in 4.9% and 8.9% participants, respectively. The most detected HR-HPV types were HPV 16 (2.4%), HPV 33 (2.0%), and HPV 52 (2.0%). No significant age-specific differences in oral HPV detected were observed. Higher detection rates of any HPV and HR-HPV were observed among participants with baseline CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm³ or a history of AIDS-defining conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Oral HPV genotyping in men with HIV reveals distinct oncogenic patterns, underscoring the need to monitor long-term OPSCC risk.