Oncogenic papillomaviruses: reproductive problems in infected males

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) of the high-risk types cause carcinomas in cervix uteri, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, as well as in certain sites of head and neck – oral cavity, oropharynx, tonsils, larynx. HPV of types 16 and 18 are the most widespread ones. Papillomaviruses of low oncogenic risk, HPV of types 6 and 11, cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and anogenital warts. Preventive vaccinations against HPV are not included into the National mandatory immunization schedule in Russia; however, they are being executed in several country areas in a form of regional programs. Substantial contingents are not embraced by the procedures as yet. A family can make decision of its own whether to vaccinate the adolescent child on paid basis. To make decision in favor of vaccination complete awareness is needful on the HPV infection consequences. As far as viruses of the given group became primarily known as cervical cancer etiological agents certain risk persists of “feminization” of notions about unfavorable effects of the HPV infection thus resulting in debates on usefulness of boys’ preventive vaccination. In this connection the purpose of the review was consideration of HPV effects on male reproductive potential. Oncogenic HPVs are frequently found in healthy donors’ sperm. HPV DNA can penetrate from sperm into oocyte under experimental conditions. Seminal fluid of HPV-positive males is a storage tank of the virus as well as the source of its distribution throughout population. DNA of oncogenic HPV was detected in endosomes of seminal lymphocytes. The latter fact opposes the canonic notion of strict HPV epitheliotropy. Correlation exists between the seminal fluid HPV-positivity of a certain man and his fertility drop. Reproductologists believe failures of some married couples when using assisted reproductive technologies may result from partner’s seminal HPV positivity. The successful attempt is known of semen parameters’ normalization in men with reduced fertility after inoculation with the quadrivalent Gardasil vaccine. It seems reasonable to consider the data on unfavorable effects of HPV infection on male reproductive potential as an argument for boys’ preventive HPV vaccination. It would help not only to prevent the HPV-associated oncological diseases in men but the distribution of the given infection around the population as a whole; it would contribute to more successes in solving demographic problems.