Although male HPV infection is frequent prevalent similar to women, less information regarding cytological findings in male samples and pathogenesis of HPV infection for men have been available. The present study was performed to determine the associations between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cytological changes in the penile samples.
The rubbed samples of the glans were collected from 142 patients with urethritis, and the collected cells were placed into preservative solution for liquid-based cytology. DNA was extracted from all samples, and β-globin gene amplification, HPV-DNA test, and HPV genotyping were performed. Among 46 HPV-positive samples, a papanicolaou staining was performed to evaluate cytological findings. Cytological findings were assessed based on 9 non-classic signs, which are known to suggest HPV infection.
High-risk HPV and low-risk HPV were detected in 36 and 12 cases, respectively. Cytological signs of HPV infection were observed in 52% of high-risk HPV-positive samples, which is significantly higher compared to that in low-risk HPV-positive samples. As the HPV-infection associated cytological abnormal findings, perinuclear halo, hyperkeratocytosis, mild koilocytosis, and hyperchormatism were most frequently observed. Cytological atypia suspected to indicate penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) were observed in 12 cases (PIN1, 10 cases; PIN2, one case). In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of HPV-DNA in the morphologically abnormal cells in 31% of high-risk HPV-positive samples.High-risk HPV and low-risk HPV were detected in 36 and 12 cases, respectively. Cytological signs of HPV infection were observed in 52% of high-risk HPV-positive samples, which is significantly higher compared to that in low-risk HPV-positive samples. As the HPV-infection associated cytological abnormal findings, perinuclear halo, hyperkeratocytosis, mild koilocytosis, and hyperchormatism were most frequently observed. Cytological atypia suspected to indicate penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) was observed in 12 cases (PIN1, 10 cases; PIN2, one case). In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of HPV-DNA in the morphologically abnormal cells in 31% of high-risk HPV-positive samples.
Cytological changes similar to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in females could be detected in the HPV-positive penile samples.
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