Symptomatic genital papillomavirus infection in a community. Incidence and clinical picture.

BACKGROUND

Incidence of condyloma acuminatum is not well known. Descriptive data are usually based on selected groups of patients. This study aims at giving incidence of the clinically defined disease in a well-defined area, thought to be representative for Sweden outside the capital city.

METHODS

Data from people with condyloma acuminatum seeking medical attention were collected during a two-year period, 1989-90, in a middle-sized urban area in Sweden. A person with symptoms and a clinical picture consistent with condyloma was considered a case.

RESULTS

Overall incidence was 2.4 per 1000. The highest age specific incidence occurred in the age group 20-24 years, 12 per 1,000. Women 15-19 years old had an incidence of 14 per 1,000. The total female to male ratio was 1.3.

CONCLUSIONS

Women more often than men had a mixture of exo- and endophytic condylomata. Condyloma as another and complementary indicator of changing sexual behavior deserves further interest.