(PL26) ASSOCIATION OF THE PENILE MICROBIOTA AND HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS SUBCLINICAL INFECTIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG MEXICAN MEN

Background:
HPV is the most sexually transmitted viral infection. In women, there is a clear association between imbalance in vaginal microbiota and the risk of acquisition of viral infections. However, it is yet unclear if microbial communities play a role in viral infections in men. Moreover, there has not been stablish if these observations are in specific anatomical sites, such as the glans or the penile body.

Methods:
Samples from 71 men (31 HPV-negative, 40 HPV-positive) glans and penile shaft were taken for sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Data analyses consisted of measure of diversity metrics, Community state types analyses, differential abundance analyses and a machine learning approach to find out which bacteria genus are best predictors of HPV status.

Results:
Diversity metrics were higher in HPV-positive samples. CST’s show no clear association to HPV-status. HPV-positive samples had an increased relative abundance of Prevotella, Finegoldia, Peptoniphilus and Dialister and a lower relative abundance of commensal Staphylococcus. These anaerobic bacteria were also the best predictors of HVP status (AURC 0.85). No differences were found according to anatomical site and HPV status

Conclusion:
Anaerobic bacterial pathobionts are increased in HPV-positive samples, regardless of the anatomical site. It’s possible that the loss of commensals leads to a diminished immune response. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships.