HPV Carriage Rates Are Lower in Circumcised Men

Circumcision has been much in the news recently as effective prevention against HIV infection (Journal Watch Dec 28 2007). Its role in preventing other sexually transmitted infections might also be important — and quite complicated, as this study from Hawaii makes clear.

Multiple genital swabs from 351 HIV-negative men were analyzed for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) by a DNA amplification technique. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for socioeconomic and medical factors, circumcision was associated with a significantly lower probability of HPV DNA on the glans or corona. Rates of HPV infection of the penile shaft were slightly but not significantly lower in circumcised men; HPV detection rates on scrotal skin were the same wi…