Anal Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions and HPV Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men.

PURPOSE: Limited data are available on anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASILs) and anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in young, Black populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of and relationships between ASILs and high-risk HPV infection in a young (<30 years of age), predominantly Black, men who have sex with men (MSM) population.

METHODS

Results of anal cytology and HPV DNA were gathered for 83 individuals.

RESULTS

Forty-two percent of individuals (35) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 33% (27) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion by cytology. Only 9% tested positive for both high-risk HPV subtypes 16 and 18.

CONCLUSION

Low rates of infection with both HPV types 16 and 18 may provide further evidence that we should continue to vaccinate young, Black MSM against HPV.