Symptomatic genital papillomavirus infection in a community

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Incidence of condyloma acuminatum is not well known. Descriptive data are usually based on selected groups of patients. This study aims at giving incidence of the clinically defined disease in a well-defined area, thought to be representative for Sweden outside the capital city. METHODS: Data from people with condyloma acuminatum seeking medical attention were collected during a two-year period, 1989-90, in a middle-sized urban area in Sweden. A person with symptoms and a clinical picture consistent with condyloma was considered a case. RESULTS: Overall incidence was 2.4 per 1000. The highest age specific incidence occurred in the age group 20-24 years, 12 per 1,000. Women 15-19 years old had an incidence of 14 per 1,000. The total female to male ratio was 1.3. CONCLUSIONS: Women more often than men had a mixture of exo- and endophytic condylomata. Condyloma as another and complementary indicator of changing sexual behavior deserves further interest.