LAUSR

Co-infection of Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers. This study examined the prevalence and associated risk factors for oral HPV and EBV co-infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria. This was a secondary analysis of oral samples of some selected participants in the Sexual Behaviour and HPV Infection in Nigerians in Ibadan (SHINI) study. Stored oral samples were analysed for detection of EBV DNA using real-time PCR detection and quantification kits. The socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle and sexual behaviours, and biological characteristics, including the HPV genotype results, were retrieved from the SHINI study data. The association between oral HPV and EBV co-infection and selected participants’ characteristics were examined with chi-square or Fisher exact tests. Unadjusted logistic regression and multivariable hierarchical logistic regressions were performed to identify the significant risk factors with HPV and EBV co-infection. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In total, 104 oral samples were analysed. The prevalence of oral HPV and EBV co-infection was 26.9%. Half (50%) of these participants were positive for EBV, and 45.2% were positive for oral HPV only. Nearly all participants with oral HPV and EBV co-infection were females (96.4%). Sex (p = 0.008), anal HPV infection (p < 0.001), genital HPV (p = 0.002), and HIV status (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with the co-infection. The odds of oral HPV and EBV co-infection was lower among males [ aOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.00–14.51]. There is high prevalence of oral HPV and EBV co-infection in males and females in Nigeria, with HIV status identified as a significant risk factor. Targeted public health measures, such as HPV vaccination programs especially in high-risk groups are recommended to reduce the burden of oral HPV and EBV co-infection.