Genital HPV infection is one of the most commonly diagnosed STIs worldwide and its high prevalence may also contribute to increased HIV transmission risk. Although HPV infection has been causally linked with chronic disease sequelae both in men and women, relatively little is known about the distribution of HPV infection and HPV subtypes among in relation to HIV status. Understanding the prevalence, distribution, and general sources of HPV subtypes among both HIV+ and HIV- individuals is important for understanding long term health consequences of HPV. Researchers within the Center for Research on Global Health at the School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the largest publicly funded STI clinic on the island (Centro Latinoamericano de Enfermedades de Transmisi?n Sexual (CLETS)), are conducting an assessment of drug and sexual risk among sexually active, young male drug users. Using an ethnoepidemiological approach that integrates behavioral research and molecular epidemiology, with the study has the following research objectives: 1. Prevalence: To compare the prevalence of anogenital HPV infection in a clinic-based sample of HIV+ and HIV- young male drug users in Puerto Rico. 2. Genotype Variability: To compare the distribution of HPV subtypes in a clinicbased sample of HIV+ and HIV- young male drug users in Puerto Rico. 3. Sexual Risk Factors: To compare HIV+ and HIV- young male drug users, with particular attention to sexual risk practices (e.g., sexual practices, sex partnering) that may be associated with HPV subtypes and/or HIV/HPV coinfection.
In keeping with the objectives of PA-09-021 (Support Opportunity for Addiction Research for New Investigators (SOAR)), this application proposes a strategic collaboration between the Center for Global Health at the School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico and the Centro Latinoamericano de Enfermedades de Transmisi?n Sexual, a primary site for screening, treatment, and management of STIs/HIV in Puerto Rico. Integrating behavioral and molecular epidemiology, the proposed study will expand existing scientific knowledge of HPV infection by comparing the prevalence, distribution and associated behavioral risk factors of HIV+ and HIV- young male drug users. It is anticipated that evidence obtained from the pilot study will serve as a foundation for the development of targeted interventions for this vulnerable population.
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