Gut microbiota profiles associated with persistent anal HPV infection in men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the differences in the composition of the anorectal microbiota in the context of known anorectal HPV infection, providing scientific evidence for early prevention and intervention of persistent HPV infection in the MSM population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed based on an existing prospective cohort study conducted between 2016 and 2023, which provided rectal swab samples for microbiota sequencing. After providing consent, 58 participants with more than 8 months of follow-up were divided into two groups on the basis of their HPV infection status during their last two follow-up visits: the HPV-negative group (negative) and the persistent HPV-positive group (positive). Rectal swab samples were collected from both groups, and 16 S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the microbiota composition.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the α- or β-diversity of the gut microbiota between MSM with persistent HPV infection and those in the HPV-negative group. However, the relative abundance of Bacteroides fragilis was significantly higher in the persistent HPV group (p = 0.002, bh_p = 0.016). Additionally, taxa such as Victivallis, Negativibacillus, Victivallaceae, and Eggerthella were enriched in individuals with persistent infection. In contrast, Prevotella disiens, Gardnerella, and Negativicoccus sp. showed higher relative abundances in the HPV-negative group, suggesting their potential as microbial markers associated with HPV clearance.

CONCLUSION

This study indicate that the gut microbiota is altered in MSM with persistent HPV infection. Although no significant differences were observed in overall α and β diversity, taxa such as Bacteroides fragilis, Victivallis, and Eggerthella were enriched in the persistent group, while Prevotella disiens and Gardnerella were more abundant in the negative group. These findings are exploratory, and future longitudinal studies with HPV genotyping and confounder control are warranted to clarify their relevance.