Genetic variants of HPV-16 and their geographical and anatomical distribution in men: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Highlights: • Prevalence of HPV-16 variants vary anatomically and geographically in men. • Lineage A is the most prevalent variant anatomically and geographically. • Lineage A4 variants were more prevalent among penile cancer samples. • Lineage D variants could confer to men an increased risk for penile cancer. • Prevalence patterns of HPV-16 variants in men are similar to those in women. The prevalence of Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) variants in men and the association with tumor development has not been fully investigated. We estimated the prevalence of genital, anal, and oral HPV-16 infections in men through a systematic review and meta-analysis.