Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, yet data on genotype distribution in India remain limited. This study assessed HPV prevalence and genotype patterns at genital and extra-genital sites among MSM and evaluated the potential coverage of available vaccines.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care centre in New Delhi. One hundred MSM were enrolled after informed consent. Participants completed a brief questionnaire and HIV test. Pharyngeal, rectal, and urethral swabs were analysed for high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) HPV genotypes using real-time PCR. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures and chi-square tests.
Results
Participants had a median age of 28 years (IQR: 23–28), with the highest proportion belonging to the 26–30 years age group (39%). Condom use was inconsistent among 95% of participants, and a history of paid sex was independently associated with HPV infection (OR 2.2). Regular geosocial networking (GSN) app use was significantly associated with urethral warts and inconsistent condom use. Overall, 43% were HPV-positive, with most infections detected in rectal samples (87%). The most common genotypes were HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16 and HPV-68. Genotypes targeted by bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent vaccines were present in 0%, 56%, and 67% of cases, respectively.
Conclusion
HPV prevalence in our study was high, particularly at rectal sites. Despite genotype diversity, a majority of infections were covered by the nonavalent vaccine, supporting targeted HPV vaccination for MSM.
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