Hidden Oncogenic Risk: High-Risk HPV Genotypes in Male Genital and Anal Condylomas

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, with certain high-risk (HR) genotypes implicated in malignant transformation. Although HPV is traditionally viewed as a female health concern, men play a key role as both transmitters and sufferers of HPV—related diseases. Data on HPV genotyping in male condylomata acuminata (CA) in Serbia are currently unavailable. To determine the frequency of HR-HPV genotypes in clinically benign CA in men and to evaluate the influence of lesion localization and sexual orientation on HR-HPV prevalence. This prospective clinical-laboratory study included 60 biopsy samples of CA from male patients treated at the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina. Genotyping of 14 HR-HPV types was performed using the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV assay (Abbott Molecular Inc., USA) on the m2000 system. Each biopsy sample, regardless of its anatomical site, was taken from a different participant. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05). HR-HPV DNA was detected in 11.7% of samples. The most commonly identified genotypes belonged to the HR-HPV group excluding HPV-16 and HPV-18, which were not detected. HR-HPV was more frequently found in anal lesions, though the difference was not statistically significant. No significant association was observed between HR-HPV positivity and sexual orientation. HR-HPV genotypes can be present in clinically benign CA in males, particularly in anal localizations. These findings emphasize the need for selective molecular testing, improved vaccination coverage, and enhanced awareness of HPV-related diseases in men to support better prevention and early detection strategies.