Anogenital distribution of mucosal HPV in males and females before and after renal transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: Immunosuppressive drugs taken by transplant recipients may favor HPV infection at anogenital sites. HPV-type prevalence was studied in males and females before and after renal transplantation.

Patients and methods: Anal, cervical and penile samples were taken from 62 patients before transplantation and from 41 patients after transplantation. HPV DNA was investigated using the INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping extra test and HPV-type distribution determined.

Results: Before transplantation, up to 30% of analyzed samples harbored HPV DNA, with the highest prevalence found in cervical specimens (60%). After transplantation, a trend toward HPV clearance was observed in females. By contrast, a trend toward incident infections by a wide variety of HPV genotypes at the penis and anal level was documented in men.

Conclusion: High prevalence of HPV at anogenital sites was documented before and after renal transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs taken after transplantation may impact HPV acquisition or reactivation, especially in males. Special attention should be paid in view of preventing HPV-associated diseases in this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Anus; Cervix; Papillomavirus; Penis; Renal transplant.