Alcohol increases risk of HPV infection in men

Men, who consume alcohol have a greater risk of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a study said.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus, with over six million new cases reported in the US each year.

Men, who consumed on an average over 9.9 grams of alcohol per day, had a significantly higher risk of HPV infection, the findings showed.

Men, who drank more alcohol, had an increased risk of HPV infection, independent of the number of sexual partners they had.

This suggests that increased consumption of alcohol may impair men's immune responses to HPV, the study noted.

"Our findings provide additional support to current public health messaging regarding the importance of moderate alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and safe sex practices," said researcher Matthew Schabath from the Moffitt Cancer Center in the US.

HPV causes genital warts in both men and women and is a contributing factor to a number of different cancers in women, including cervical, vaginal and anal cancers.

More recent studies have shown that HPV can also cause penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancer in men.

For the new study, the researchers analysed potential risk factors for HPV infection in over 1,300 men in the US.

DNA analysis was used to confirm the presence of HPV and the participants answered detailed surveys about alcohol consumption, smoking and sexual activity.

The study appeared in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.