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BMC Infectious Diseases
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Human papillomavirus in semen and the risk for male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Zhangyan Lyu, Xiaoshuang Feng, Ni Li, Wei Zhao, Luopei Wei, Yuheng Chen, Wenjing Yang, Hongxia Ma, Bing Yao, Kai Zhang, Zhibin Hu, Hongbing Shen, Dong Hang, Min Dai

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted viruses. Despite the increasing evidence of HPV prevalence in semen, the worldwide distribution of HPV types in semen and risk for male infertility remain inconclusive.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched for English language studies conducted between January 1990 and December 2016 that reported HPV DNA prevalence in semen. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, HPV prevalence was estimated among general population and fertility clinic attendees, respectively, and heterogeneity testing was performed using Cochran’s Q and I 2 statistics. The association between HPV positivity and male infertility was evaluated by a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Results

A total of 31 eligible studies comprising 5194 males were included. The overall prevalence of HPV DNA in semen was 11.4% (95% CI = 7.8-15.0%) in general population (n = 2122) and 20.4% (95% CI = 16.2-24.6%) in fertility clinic attendees (n = 3072). High-risk type prevalence was 10.0% (95% CI = 5.9-14.0%) and 15.5% (95% CI = 11.4-19.7%), respectively. HPV16 was the most common type, with a prevalence of 4.8% (95% CI = 1.7-7.8%) in general population and 6.0% (95% CI = 3.8-8.2%) in fertility clinic attendees. A significantly increased risk of infertility was found for males with HPV positivity in semen (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 2.03-4.24).

Conclusions

Seminal HPV infection is common worldwide, which may contribute to the risk of male infertility.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Human papillomavirus in semen and the risk for male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Zhangyan Lyu
Xiaoshuang Feng
Ni Li
Wei Zhao
Luopei Wei
Yuheng Chen
Wenjing Yang
Hongxia Ma
Bing Yao
Kai Zhang
Zhibin Hu
Hongbing Shen
Dong Hang
Min Dai
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-017-2812-z

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