Cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions in HIV-infected women: prevalence, incidence and regression. European Study Group on Natural History of HIV Infection in Women

High Prevalence of Cervical High-Grade Lesions and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections in Women Living with HIV: A Case for Prioritizing Cervical Screening in This Vulnerable Group

INTRODUCTION

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at an increased risk of developing cervical precancerous lesions and cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of cervical lesions and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection in WLHIV in comparison to the HIV-negative women undergoing opportunistic screening. In addition, these findings among WLHIV were correlated with the clinic-demographic factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among WLHIVs at a tertiary hospital and linked antiretroviral therapy (ART) center, while HIV-negative women were recruited from the health promotion clinic at our institute. With informed consent, a semi-structured questionnaire was filled on demographic and epidemiological parameters. Conventional cervical smears and samples for HPV DNA detection by HC2 high-risk HPV DNA test were collected in all participants. Cervical smears were reported using the Bethesda system 2014. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed for bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for comparison between WLHIV and HIV-negative women and for correlation of abnormal cervical cytology and HR-HPV infection among WLHIVs.

RESULTS

The clinic-demographic characteristics of WLHIVs and HIV-negative women were similar. On cytology, the prevalence of cervical cytological abnormalities were significantly higher (p < 0.001) among WLHIVs (14.1%) compared to HIV-negative women (3.1%). High-grade lesions were seen in 3.7% of WLHIVs, while no high-grade lesions were detected in HIV-negative women. Cervical HR-HPV infection was also significantly higher (p < 0.001) in WLHIVs (28.9%) than HIV-negative women (9.3%). Cervical precancerous lesions in WLHIVs showed positive association with current sexually transmitted infection (STI), multiple sexual partners, tobacco use, and CD4 count less than 200/µL, while cervical HPV was positively associated with current STI, tobacco use, CD4 count less than 200/µL and negatively with ART intake. On multivariate logistic regression, cervical cytological abnormalities showed a significant association with multiple sexual partners (p < 0.001), while cervical HR-HPV infection was positively associated with current STI (p = 0.01), nadir CD4 count <200/µL (p = 0.004), abnormal cervical cytology (p = 0.002) and negatively with ART intake (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Women living with HIV have a significantly higher prevalence of cervical precancerous lesions and HR-HPV infection compared to the general population. Considering the lack of an organized population-based cervical cancer screening program in many low-resource countries like ours, specific focus on screening this highly vulnerable population to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer is imperative.

HPV and HIV Coinfection in Women from a Southeast Region of Romania—PICOPIV Study

Background and Objectives: Romania faces one of the highest cervical cancer burdens in Europe though it is a preventable cancer through population screening by cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) detection. Also, it has one of the highest incidences of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HPV and HIV coinfection are frequently encountered. The aim of study was to establish the prevalence of HPV infection among HIV-positive women in Southeast Region of Romania, to genotype high risk HPV types -and to correlate the results with clinical data and cytological cervical lesions. Materials and Methods: 40 HIV-positive women were screened for HPV types and for cytological cervical lesions. The findings were evaluated in correlation with CD4 cell counts, HIV viral load, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, vaginal candidiasis, and Gardnerella using statistical methods. Results: 19/40 (47.5%) women were positive for HPV types, 63.15% infected with single HPV type and 36.85% with multiple HPV types. The most frequent types were type: 31 (42.1%), 56 (31.57%), 53 (15.78%). On cytology, 34 (85%) women were found with NILM of which 38.23% were HPV-positive. Fifteen percent of women had abnormal cytology (three ASC-US, three LSIL), and all of them were HPV-positive. Through analyzing the value of CD4 count, women with CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL were found to be significantly more likely to be infected with HPV; meanwhile there was no correlation between the detection of HPV types and HIV viral load. Candida or Gardnerella were more often associated with HIV-positive women with HPV, than in women without HPV. Conclusions: Infection with HPV types is common among HIV-positive women in the Southeast Region of Romania and it is associated with age at the beginning of sexual life, number of sexual partners, CD4 value, vaginal candidiasis, and Gardnerella infection.

Cervical cancer prevention and control in women living with human immunodeficiency virus

Despite being highly preventable, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and cause of cancer death in women globally. In low-income countries, cervical cancer is often the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are at a particularly high risk of cervical cancer because of an impaired immune response to human papillomavirus, the obligate cause of virtually all cervical cancers. Globally, approximately 1 in 20 cervical cancers is attributable to HIV; in sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 1 in 5 cervical cancers is due to HIV. Here, the authors provide a critical appraisal of the evidence to date on the impact of HIV disease on cervical cancer risk, describe key methodologic issues, and frame the key outstanding research questions, especially as they apply to ongoing global efforts for prevention and control of cervical cancer. Expanded efforts to integrate HIV care with cervical cancer prevention and control, and vice versa, could assist the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Risk factors associated with HPV persistence after conization in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion

OBJECTIVE

Persistence of HPV infection in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) undergoing cervical excision is considered strongly associated with the recurrence and progression of cervical dysplasia. This study aims to review potential risk factors for persistence of HPV infection in patients with HSIL, thus optimizing the postoperative monitoring program and clinical treatment.

METHODS

Through literature review, published data about estimated prognostic risk factors for persistence of HPV infection in patients with HSIL after conization within two decades were searched and analyzed, and their references were manually reviewed as well.

RESULTS

Women with persistence of HPV infection after cervical excision were at an extremely high risk of disease recurrence and progression to cervical cancer. Some clinicopathological and even physiological elements involving viral, organic human body and treatment factors, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) 16, high viral load, age older than 50 years and positive surgical margin were of prognostic significance in persistent HPV infection in patients with HSIL, yet some of which still remained controversial.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring prognostic factors in women with persistence of HPV infection who have underwent cervical excision for HSIL are of great significance, especially the follow-up within 2 years postoperatively, which significantly improves the clinical outcome.

Epidemiology of cervical adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma among women living with HIV compared to the general population in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Cervical cancer risk overall is elevated among women living with HIV (WLH). However, it is unclear whether risks of cervical cancer are similarly elevated across histologic subtypes.

METHODS

Data were utilized from the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study, a linkage of 12 US HIV and cancer registries during 1996-2016. Cervical cancers were categorized as adenocarcinoma (AC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or other histologic type. Standardized incidence ratios were estimated to compare rates of AC and SCC in WLH compared to the general population. For WLH, risk factors for AC and SCC were evaluated using Poisson regression. All-cause 5-year survival was estimated by HIV status and histology.

RESULTS

Overall, 62,615 cervical cancers were identified, including 609 in WLH. Compared to the general population, incidence of AC was 1.47-times higher (95%CI: 1.03-2.05) and incidence of SCC was 3.62-times higher among WLH (95%CI: 3.31-3.94). Among WLH, there was no difference in AC rates by race/ethnicity or HIV transmission group, although SCC rates were lower among White women (vs. Black, adjusted rate ratio (aRR)=0.53; 95%CI: 0.38-0.73) and higher among women who inject drugs (vs. heterosexual transmission; aRR=1.44; 95%CI: 1.17-1.78). Among WLH, 5-year overall survival was similar for AC (46.2%) and SCC (43.8%), but notably lower than women without HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

Among WLH, AC rates were modestly elevated whereas SCC rates were greatly elevated compared to the general population. These findings suggest that there may be differences in the impact of immunosuppression and HIV status in the development of AC compared to SCC, given their common etiology in HPV infection.

CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations in HIV-positive women with cervical squamous intra-epithelial lesions and squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to analyse cervical lymphocytic populations in HIV+ and HIV- patients and correlate different cervical lesions with HIV viral load and presence of high-risk HPV types.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 132 histological specimens from 40 HIV+ and 72 HIV- patients were evaluated for CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell distribution, presence of high-risk HPV types, peripheral blood HIV viral load and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio.

RESULTS

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from HIV+ patients had lower CD4⁺ T cell scores compared with HIV- patients. In all lesion groups, HIV+ patients presented higher epithelial and stromal CD8⁺ T cell scores. HIV viral load was more often detectable in patients with SCC than in those with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (p = 0.0409). HSIL HIV+ patients had lower circulating CD4⁺ T cell counts (p = 0.0434) and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (p = 0.0378) compared with LSIL HIV+ patients. High-risk HPV types other than 16 and 18/45 were more prevalent in the HIV+ group.

DISCUSSION

These results support an imbalance between cervical CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes of HIV+ patients with SIL and SCC, with increased CD8+ infiltrate density with lesion severity, even in patients with immune system recovery under cART.

Diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node scintigraphy and 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the detection of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with early-stage cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is staged clinically using the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics staging system. Although lymph node status does not form part of the staging, it has important prognostic and potential therapeutic implications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) scintigraphy and 2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) in detecting lymph node metastases in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Thirty-six patients with early-stage cervical cancer underwent SLN detection during primary operation. Of the 36 patients, 28 patients underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT before surgery. The ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images were analyzed with the histopathological findings as the reference standard. The diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of nodal disease was reported in terms of accuracy value. The SLN detection rate was the highest (91.7%) using the combined method (lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative gamma probe, and blue dye). Seven of the thirty-six patients had lymph node involvement (19.4%), of which five had preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging. On overall patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT were 40.0%, 78.3%, 28.6%, 85.7%, and 71.4%, respectively. The combination of radiolabeled nanocolloid with blue dye is safe and reliable and allows successful detection of SLNs in patients with early-stage cervical cancer in a population with high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus. The specificity and NPV of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT are high and can be used in conjunction with SLN biopsy.

The interplay of HIV and human papillomavirus-related cancers in sub-Saharan Africa: scoping review

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at a high risk of developing HPV-related cancers. HPV-related malignancies occur frequently and/or are high among PLHIV, with cervical cancer as a designated AIDS-defining condition. We aimed to explore the evidence on the interplay of HIV and HPV-related cancers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

METHODS

The scoping review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. We searched for literature from the following databases: PubMed; World Health Organization (WHO) Library; Science Direct; Google Scholar and EBSCOhost (Academic search complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, CINAHL). Studies reporting on evidence HIV and HPV-related cancers interplay in SSA were eligible for inclusion in this review. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used for reporting the search results. Thematic analysis used to reveal the emerging themes from the included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 74 potentially eligible articles were screened. Of these, nine (7 reviews, 1 transversal case controls, and 1 quantitative study) were eligible for data extraction. The studies reported about a total of 16,351 participants in different settings. The nine included studies showed evidence of cervical cancer among HIV-infected women and distribution of HPV infection and cervical abnormalities among HIV-positive individuals. In the four studies generalizing about HIV and anal cancer, only one reported about HPV. Two studies generally reported about HIV and head and neck cancers and one reported about interaction of HIV with vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and penile cancer, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HIV positivity is associated with increased prevalence of HPV infection on different anatomic sites, which will result in increased burden of HPV-related cancers among PLHIV. Furthermore, primary studies with robust study designs aimed at investigating the risk developing HPV-related cancers among PLHIV are recommended. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42017062403.

Evaluation of anal carcinoma screening in male and female HIV patients at an interdisciplinary HIV therapy centre

BACKGROUND

Incidence of anal carcinoma is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH). Due to the improved life expectancy in PLWH, identifying appropriate prevention strategies for non-AIDS-defining cancer types such as anal carcinoma has become a priority in managing PLWH today.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate anal cytology assessment as screening tool for anal dysplasia and/or carcinoma in PLWH, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between cancer risk factors and abnormal screening results in our patient cohort.

METHODS

People living with HIV from the Interdisciplinary HIV Centre of the University Hospital rechts der Isar in Munich, Germany (IZAR), were screened for anal carcinoma by single cytobrush examination and anal Papanicolaou (PAP) smear assessment from 2013 to 2015. Patients with abnormal PAP smear result were offered a follow-up examination after 12 months. Differences between two groups were tested for statistical significance using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test, as appropriate.

RESULTS

In total, 101 PLWH were included. 26.7% of subjects (n = 27) were PAP IIID, and 9.9% (n = 10) were PAP IVa. Seven female subjects had an abnormal finding at screening. Smoking was significantly associated with abnormal findings at screening (P = 0.005). In addition, our study found an association between sexually transmitted infections (STI) and anal dysplasia. Condylomata acuminata were increased in subjects with PAP IIID/PAP IVa (P = 0.045). Reactive syphilis serology was found to be significantly associated with abnormal screening results (P = 0.016), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that smoking and two common STIs, condylomata acuminata and syphilis, are risk factors associated with advanced anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) stages in our PLWH cohort. While further analysis is needed to determine diagnostic guidelines concerning AIN in PLWH, these results suggest that interdisciplinary lifestyle prevention strategies are required to reduce the risk factors for AIN in PLWH in an outpatient setting.

Oral and systemic HPV antibody kinetics post-vaccination among HIV-positive and HIV-negative men

Duration and functional aspects of the oral and systemic antibody responses following HPV vaccination in HIV-negative (HIV-) and HIV-positive (HIV+) men are not well characterized. Oral and systemic HPV-16 and HPV-18-specific antibody levels were evaluated over 18-months of follow-up, in HIV+ and HIV- men. Sera and oral gargles from 147 HIV- men, ages 27-45 and 75 HIV+ men, ages 22-61, who received 3-doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine were tested for HPV-16 and HPV-18 antibodies at Day 1, Month 7 (1 month post-dose 3), and Month 18 (12 months post-dose 3) and HPV avidity (Day 1, and Month 7) using L1-VLP ELISA. All individuals seroconverted, regardless of HIV-status, following 3-doses of vaccine for HPV-16 and HPV-18. Serum HPV-16 and HPV-18 antibody geometric mean levels were >2-fold lower in HIV+ compared to HIV- men at Month 7 (HPV-16: 808.5 versus 2119.8 EU/mL, and HPV-18: 285.8 versus 611.6 EU/mL, p < 0.001) but not significantly different at Month 18 (HPV-16: 281.8 versus 359.7 EU/mL, p = 0.145, and HPV-18: 120.2 versus 93.4 EU/mL, p = 0.372). Post-vaccination, only oral HPV-16 antibody levels at Month 7 were significantly different between HIV+ and HIV- men (127.7 versus 177.1 EU/mg of IgG, p = 0.008). Among baseline HPV-seronegative men, circulating levels of HPV-16 and HPV-18 antibodies were up to >3 fold lower in HIV+ men, at Months 7 and 18. In contrast, levels of HPV-16 and HPV-18 antibodies after vaccination were not inferior in baseline HPV-seropositive, HIV+ men. HPV-16 and HPV-18 avidity was lower among HIV+ compared to HIV- men at Month 7 (HPV-16: 1.95 M versus 2.12 M, p = 0.027; HPV-18: 1.50 M versus 1.72 M, p < 0.001). Although differences in peak antibody levels were observed between HIV+ and HIV- men following 3 doses of vaccine, plateau antibody levels were overall comparable, and avidity was relatively high for both groups. These data indicate that the vaccine induced antibody affinity maturation in both HIV+ and HIV- men and will likely result in long-term protective immune responses.

HIV-positive women have higher risk of human papilloma virus infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

HIV-positive women have higher human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and cervical cancer incidence than HIV-negative women, partly because of HIV's modifying effect on HPV pathogenesis. We synthesized the literature on the impact of HIV on HPV natural history.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched the literature for studies evaluating HPV acquisition and persistence or precancer progression by HIV status. Data on HPV natural history by HIV status, CD4 cell counts, viral load, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) were summarized using fixed effect models.

RESULTS

Overall, 38 of 1845 abstracts identified met inclusion criteria. HIV-positive women had higher HPV acquisition [relative risk (RRpooled) 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.04-3.42] and lower HPV clearance (hazard ratiopooled 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.84) than HIV-negative women. HPV acquisition was higher with declining CD4 cell count and was lower in those virally suppressed on ART. HIV was associated with higher incidence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL; RRpooled 3.73, 95% CI 2.62-5.32) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL; hazard ratiopooled 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.58), largely because of increased HPV persistence. ART lowered progression from normal cytology to LSIL (hazard ratiopooled 0.65, 95% CI 0.52-0.82), but not HSIL. Cervical cancer incidence was associated with HIV positivity (RR 4.1, 95% CI 2.3-6.6), but not with ART.

CONCLUSION

HIV-positive women have higher risk of acquiring HPV, with risk inversely associated with CD4 cell count. ART lowered HPV acquisition, increased clearance, and reduced precancer progression, likely via immune reconstitution. Although some of our results are limited by small number of studies, our study can inform screening guidelines and mathematical modeling for cervical cancer prevention.

HIV Infection and Survival Among Women With Cervical Cancer

Purpose Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among the 20 million women with HIV worldwide. We sought to determine whether HIV infection affected survival in women with invasive cervical cancer. Patients and Methods We enrolled sequential patients with cervical cancer in Botswana from 2010 to 2015. Standard treatment included external beam radiation and brachytherapy with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy. The effect of HIV on survival was estimated by using an inverse probability weighted marginal Cox model. Results A total of 348 women with cervical cancer were enrolled, including 231 (66.4%) with HIV and 96 (27.6%) without HIV. The majority (189 [81.8%]) of women with HIV received antiretroviral therapy before cancer diagnosis. The median CD4 cell count for women with HIV was 397 (interquartile range, 264 to 555). After a median follow-up of 19.7 months, 117 (50.7%) women with HIV and 40 (41.7%) without HIV died. One death was attributed to HIV and the remaining to cancer. Three-year survival for the women with HIV was 35% (95% CI, 27% to 44%) and 48% (95% CI, 35% to 60%) for those without HIV. In an adjusted analysis, HIV infection significantly increased the risk for death among all women (hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.17) and in the subset that received guideline-concordant curative treatment (hazard ratio, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.05 to 6.55). The adverse effect of HIV on survival was greater for women with a more-limited stage cancer ( P = .035), those treated with curative intent ( P = .003), and those with a lower CD4 cell count ( P = .036). Advanced stage and poor treatment completion contributed to high mortality overall. Conclusion In the context of good access to and use of antiretroviral treatment in Botswana, HIV infection significantly decreases cervical cancer survival.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage achievements in low and middle-income countries 2007-2016

Introduction

Since 2007, HPV vaccine has been available to low and middle income countries (LAMIC) for small-scale ‘demonstration projects’, or national programmes. We analysed coverage achieved in HPV vaccine demonstration projects and national programmes that had completed at least 6 months of implementation between January 2007–2016.

Methods

A mapping exercise identified 45 LAMICs with HPV vaccine delivery experience. Estimates of coverage and factors influencing coverage were obtained from 56 key informant interviews, a systematic published literature search of 5 databases that identified 61 relevant full texts and 188 solicited unpublished documents, including coverage surveys. Coverage achievements were analysed descriptively against country or project/programme characteristics. Heterogeneity in data, funder requirements, and project/programme design precluded multivariate analysis.

Results

Estimates of uptake, schedule completion rates and/or final dose coverage were available from 41 of 45 LAMICs included in the study. Only 17 estimates from 13 countries were from coverage surveys, most were administrative data. Final dose coverage estimates were all over 50% with most between 70% and 90%, and showed no trend over time. The majority of delivery strategies included schools as a vaccination venue. In countries with school enrolment rates below 90%, inclusion of strategies to reach out-of-school girls contributed to obtaining high coverage compared to school-only strategies. There was no correlation between final dose coverage and estimated recurrent financial costs of delivery from cost analyses. Coverage achieved during joint delivery of HPV vaccine combined with another intervention was variable with little/no evaluation of the correlates of success.

Conclusions

This is the most comprehensive descriptive analysis of HPV vaccine coverage in LAMICs to date. It is possible to deliver HPV vaccine with excellent coverage in LAMICs. Further good quality data are needed from health facility based delivery strategies and national programmes to aid policymakers to effectively and sustainably scale-up HPV vaccination.

Women Living with HIV over Age of 65: Cervical Cancer Screening in a Unique and Growing Population

OBJECTIVE

Women living with HIV are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can lead to cervical cancer. New guidelines recommend indefinite screening. The objective of this study is to describe cervical cancer screening practices and colposcopy results in a cohort of women living with HIV over age of 65 who were followed before the new guidelines. Comorbidities, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other risk factors were evaluated.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review on 75 women aged 65 or older living with HIV with at least one Pap smear.

RESULTS

The mean age of the cohort was 66.5 and at HIV diagnosis was 56. The majority of women were immunocompetent. 80% had serial Pap smears. Of these, 86% of 238 were negative or ASCUS. No women progressed to HSIL. 92% of colposcopies had negative or CIN I results. Three women were treated successfully for high-grade dysplasia. More than half of women had other STIs. 72% were screened for HPV; 50% were positive.

CONCLUSION

The majority of women had negative and low-grade Pap smears. Questions remain regarding the utility of continued Pap screening and the added value of HPV testing in this unique population of older women living with HIV.

Human Papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions in HIV infected women on antiretroviral treatment in Thailand

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HPV genotypes and cytological/histological high-grade (HSIL+/CIN2+) lesions.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study within a prospective cohort of HIV-infected women on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Cervical specimens were collected for cytology and HPV genotyping (Papillocheck^®). Any women with High-Risk-HPV (HR-HPV), and/or potentially HR-HPV (pHR-HPV) and/or ASC-US or higher (ASC-US+) lesions were referred for colposcopy. Factors associated with HR-HPV infection and with HSIL+/CIN2+ lesions were investigated using mixed-effects logistic regression models.

RESULTS

829 women were enrolled: median age 40.4 years, on cART for a median of 6.9 years, median CD4 cell-count 536 cells/mm3, and 788 (96%) with HIV-viral load<50copies/mL. Of 214 (26%) infected with HPV: 159 (19%) had ≥1 HR-HPV, of whom 38 (5%) HPV52, 22 (3%) HPV16, 9 (1%) HPV18; 21 (3%) had pHR-HPV, 34 (4%) low risk-HPV infection, and 56 (26%) had multiple genotypes. Younger age, low CD4 cell-counts and low education were independently associated with HR-HPV infection. 72 women (9%) had ASC-US+ and 28 (3%) HSIL+/CIN2+ lesions. HR-HPV infection was independently associated with HSIL+/CIN2+ lesions.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HPV infection and of cervical lesions was low. The HPV genotype distribution supports the use of 9-valent vaccine in Thailand.

The investigation of patients with HIV infection: 10 years of progress

The past decade has seen great advances in the management of patients with HIV infection. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in a decrease in opportunistic infections but the development of new clinical entities such as lipodystrophy and immune reconstitution illnesses. The use of investigations such as lipid profiles and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning to assess lipodystrophy have been necessitated by these changes in the epidemic. Technological advances have resulted in new techniques such as viral resistance assays and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning. The appropriate use of these investigations is subject to ongoing assessment.

Screening for cervical carcinoma in HIV-infected women: Analysis of main risk factors for cervical cytologic abnormalities

AIM

The aim of this study was to identify potential predictive factors for cervical disease in women with HIV and to evaluate adherence during follow-up to cervical cancer screening.

METHODS

In order to identify the independent role of factors associated with the presence of a cervical abnormality, all of the variables showing in univariate analyses a potential association with the outcome variable (presence of cervical abnormalities) were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model, along with age at first visit to our center, and age at diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 540 HIV-positive women who received screening for cervical cancer during the first year after their first visit to our center were included in the analysis; 423 (78.3%) had normal cytology and 117 (21.7%) had cytological abnormalities, classified as follows: 21 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (17.9%); 51 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (43.6%); 41 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (35.0%); and four cervical cancers (3.4%). In our study, women with more than two previous pregnancies were significantly associated with a lower risk of cervical cytological abnormalities compared to the other women. Women with CD4+ levels of 200-499/mm³ had a higher risk of developing cervical cytological abnormalities compared to those with a CD4+ level > 500/ mm³ .

CONCLUSION

In summary, management of HIV-positive women must be modeled on HIV-clinical status, CD4+ cell count, drug regimen, and adherence to follow-up, relying on the cooperation of highly qualified professionals. In HIV-positive women, an adequate screening and follow-up allows for a reduced occurrence of advanced cervical disease and prevents recourse to invalidating surgical interventions.

Factors Associated with Uptake of Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) for Cervical Cancer Screening in Western Kenya

PURPOSE

Cervical cancer screening has been successful in reducing the rates of cervical cancer in developed countries, but this disease remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to understand factors associated with limited uptake of screening services in our cervical cancer-screening program in Western Kenya.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Using items from a previously validated cancer awareness questionnaire repurposed for use in cervical cancer and culturally adapted for use in Kenya, we interviewed 2,505 women aged 18-55 years receiving care in gynecology clinics or seeking other services in 4 health facilities in Western Kenya between April 2014 and September 2014. We used logistic regression modeling to assess factors associated with uptake (or non-uptake), associated odds ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Only two hundred and seventy-three women out of 2505 (11%) accepted VIA cervical cancer screening. Knowledge of just how women are screened for cervical cancer was significantly associated with reduced uptake of cervical cancer screening (OR: 0.53; CI 0.38-0.73) as was fear that screening would reveal a cancer (OR 0.70; CI 0.63-0.77), and reliance on prayer with the onset of illness (OR 0.43; CI 0.26-0.71). Participants who thought that one should get cervical cancer screening even if there were no symptoms were more than twice as likely to accept cervical cancer screening (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.24-3.93). Older patients, patients living with HIV and women who do not know if bleeding immediately after sex might be a sign of cervical cancer were also more likely to accept screening (OR 1.03, CI 1.02-1.04; OR 1.78, CI 1.01-3.14; OR 2.39, CI 1.31-4.39, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, a high percent of women knew that it is appropriate for all women to get cervical cancer screening, but only a small proportion of women actually got screening. There may be an opportunity to design educational materials for this population that will not only encourage participation in cervical cancer screening but also remediate misconceptions. The discussion illustrates how our findings could be used in such an effort.

Impact of immunosuppression and region of birth on risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among migrants living with HIV in Sweden

Little is known about the incidence and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3, adenocarcinoma in situ and invasive cervical cancer (CIN3+) among migrants living with HIV in a European setting. We assessed the cumulative incidence (CuI) and hazard ratio (HR) of CIN2+ and CIN3+ in a cohort of women living with HIV (WLWH) (n = 893) identified from the Swedish national HIV register and HIV-negative women (n = 205,842) identified from the Swedish Population Register, matched on region of birth and age. Data was collected between 1993 and 2011 by linking our cohort with the Swedish National Cervical Screening Registry, collecting all cytological and histological results since 1993. The CuI of CIN3+ was 13.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.9-17.2] for WLWH and 2.1% (95% CI 2.0-2.2) for HIV-negative after 18 years of follow-up. WLWH had more than eight times higher, age and region of birth matched, risk of CIN3+ than HIV-negative (HR 8.8: 95% CI 6.9-11.3). WLWH born in the East region, dominated by Thai women, had a two times higher risk of CIN3+ compared with WLWH born in Sweden (HR 2.47: 95% CI 1.2-5.0), which remained after adjusting for immunosuppression. Our results showed a substantially increased risk of CIN3+ among WLWH, which differed depending on birth region. Early HIV diagnosis and attendance to cervical cancer screening, with focus on migrants, is of crucial importance to minimize the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

High-risk human papillomavirus and cervical lesions among women living with HIV/AIDS in Brazilian Amazon, Brazil

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus infection infection and cervical lesions and its associated factors among HIV infected women attending an AIDS clinic in Amazonas state, Brazil.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Women attending an AIDS clinic in the city of Manaus between March and December 2011 for gynecological examination were invited to participate. Enrolled patients answered a standardized interview including demographical, behavioral, and clinical data. Additionally, patients underwent a gynecological evaluation with collection of cervical samples for cytological analysis and high-risk human papillomavirus infection hybrid capture. A blood sample was also obtained to determine CD4 and viral load levels.

Results

A total of 310 (82.9%) women participated in the study. High-risk human papillomavirus infection was detected in 191 (61.6%) cases; 24 (13.5%) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and 4 (2.2%) high-grade SIL. No invasive cervical cancer was diagnosed. Median age was 32 (interquartile range (IQR): 27–38) years and median of education was 8.5 (IQR 4–11) years of schooling and 56.1% had a monthly income up to US$180. In multivariate analysis, being less than 30 years old [OR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2–2.4, p = 0.005)], high-grade SIL [OR = 6.5 (95% CI: 1.6–23.0, p = 0.009)], and CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³ [OR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2–2.0, p < 0.001)] were associated with high risk human papillomavirus infection infection.

Conclusions

In the present study high-risk human papillomavirus infection was frequent and it was associated to high-SIL. These results show the importance of gynecologic examinations in routine care and follow-up required by those who present with cervical lesions.

Differential Gene Expression Landscape of Co-Existing Cervical Pre-Cancer Lesions Using RNA-seq

Genetic changes occurring in different stages of pre-cancer lesions reflect causal events initiating and promoting the progression to cancer. Co-existing pre-cancerous lesions including low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL and HGSIL), and adjacent “normal” cervical epithelium from six formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were selected. Tissues from these 18 samples were isolated using laser-capture microdissection, RNA was extracted and sequenced. RNA-sequencing generated 2.4 billion raw reads in 18 samples, of which ~50.1% mapped to known and annotated genes in the human genome. There were 40 genes up-regulated and 3 down-regulated (normal to LGSIL) in at least one-third of the sample pairs (same direction and FDR p < 0.05) including S100A7 and KLK6. Previous studies have shown that S110A7 and KLK7 are up-regulated in several other cancers, whereas CCL18, CFTR, and SLC6A14, also differentially expressed in two samples, are up-regulated specifically in cervical cancer. These differentially expressed genes in normal to LGSIL progression were enriched in pathways related to epithelial cell differentiation, keratinocyte differentiation, peptidase, and extracellular activities. In progression from LGSIL to HGSIL, two genes were up-regulated and five down-regulated in at least two samples. Further investigations using co-existing samples, which account for all internal confounders, will provide insights to better understand progression of cervical pre-cancer.

Increased alpha-9 human papillomavirus species viral load in human immunodeficiency virus positive women

BACKGROUND

Persistent high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and increased HR-HPV viral load are associated with the development of cancer. This study investigated the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, HIV viral load and CD4 count on the HR-HPV viral load; and also investigated the predictors of cervical abnormalities.

METHODS

Participants were 292 HIV-negative and 258 HIV-positive women. HR-HPV viral loads in cervical cells were determined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HIV-positive women had a significantly higher viral load for combined alpha-9 HPV species compared to HIV-negative women (median 3.9 copies per cell compared to 0.63 copies per cell, P = 0.022). This was not observed for individual HPV types. HIV-positive women with CD4 counts >350/μl had significantly lower viral loads for alpha-7 HPV species (median 0.12 copies per cell) than HIV-positive women with CD4 ≤350/μl (median 1.52 copies per cell, P = 0.008), but low CD4 count was not significantly associated with increased viral load for other HPV species. High viral loads for alpha-6, alpha-7 and alpha-9 HPV species were significant predictors of abnormal cytology in women.

CONCLUSION

HIV co-infection significantly increased the combined alpha-9 HPV viral load in women but not viral loads for individual HPV types. High HR-HPV viral load was associated with cervical abnormal cytology.

Effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and menopause on risk of progression of cervical dysplasia in human immune-deficiency virus- (HIV-) infected women

Background. More HIV-infected women are reaching older age and menopause, but there is limited information on cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) on these women. Methods. To assess the effect of HAART and menopause on SILs in HIV-infected women, we reviewed the results of Papanicolaou (Pap) tests obtained between 1991 and 2011 on 245 women. Progression to SILs was determined by comparing Pap test results. The association of HAART and transition to menopause on SILs was assessed using survival analysis. Results. Women receiving HAART had a 52% reduced risk in the progression to SILs compared to women receiving any other antiretroviral regimen or no regimen (CI: 0.33–0.70, P = 0.0001). A greater increase of CD4⁺ cell counts was associated with a greater reduction on the risk of progression to SILs. Menopausal women had a 70% higher risk of progression to SILs than premenopausal women (CI: 1.11–2.62, P < 0.0001), adjusting for HIV medications, CD4⁺ count, duration of HIV infection, moderation effect of menopause by age, prior IV drug use, and smoking. Conclusion. HAART had a positive long-term effect on the progression to SILs. However, being younger and menopausal increases the risk of progression.

Influence of HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 infection and CD4 count on cervical HPV DNA detection in women from Senegal, West Africa

BACKGROUND

HIV infection is associated with greater risk of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer in women. However, several factors remain unclarified regarding the association between HIV infection and HPV detection, especially among those with HIV type 2 versus type 1 infection and severely immunocompromised persons.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate HPV overall and type-specific detection among HIV-infected and uninfected women in Senegal.

STUDY DESIGN

Detection of HPV DNA for 38 genotypes in cervical swabs using PCR-based methods was evaluated in HIV-positive (n=467) and HIV-negative (n=2139) women participating in studies in Senegal. Among HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 positive women, CD4 counts were assessed. Adjusted multivariable prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any HPV DNA and multiple HPV types was greater among HIV-infected individuals (78.2% and 62.3%, respectively) compared with HIV-negative women (27.1% and 11.6%). This trend was also seen for HPV types 16 and 18 (13.1% and 10.9%) compared to HIV-negative women (2.2% and 1.7%). HIV-infected women with CD4 cell counts less than 200 cells/μl had a higher likelihood of any HPV detection (PRa 1.30; 95% CI 1.07-1.59), multiple HPV types (PRa 1.52; 95% CI 1.14-2.01), and HPV-16 (PRa 9.00; 95% CI 1.66-48.67), but not HPV-18 (PRa 1.20, 95% CI 0.45-3.24) compared to those with CD4 counts 500 cells/μl or above.

CONCLUSION

HIV-infected women, especially those most severely immunocompromised, are more likely to harbor HPV. Measures to prevent initial HPV infection and subsequent development of cervical cancer through focused screening efforts should be implemented in these high risk populations.

Incidence and progression of cervical lesions in women with HIV: a systematic global review

Global data on cervical lesion incidence and progression in HIV-positive women are essential for understanding the natural history of cervical neoplasia and informing screening policy. A systematic review was performed summarizing the incidence and progression of cervical lesions in HIV-positive women. Of 5882 HIV-positive women from 15 studies, incidence ranged from 4.9 to 21.1 cases per 100 woman-years for any cervical lesion and 0.4 to 8.8 cases per 100 woman-years for high-grade cervical lesions. HIV-positive women showed a median three-fold higher incidence of cervical lesions compared to HIV-negative women. Of 1099 HIV-positive women from 11 studies, progression from low- to high-grade lesions ranged from 1.2 to 26.2 cases per 100 woman-years. Both incidence and progression rates increased with lower CD4 counts. The effect of antiretroviral therapy on the natural history of cervical neoplasia remains unclear. HIV-positive women have higher incidence and progression of cervical neoplasia. Cervical cancer screening should be integrated into HIV treatment programmes.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy and cervical dysplasia in HIV-positive women in South Africa

BACKGROUND

The risk of squamous intra-epithelial lesions (SIL) is higher in HIV-positive women. As these women begin to live longer due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), their risk of cervical cancer may increase. Few data exist regarding the effect of HAART on the incidence and progression of SIL in HIV-positive African women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HAART on the incidence and progression of SIL in HIV-positive women in South Africa.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of HIV-seropositive women was conducted over 5 years in an HIV treatment clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. The participants consisted of 601 women on and off HAART who had repeat Pap smears greater than 6 months apart. The effect of HAART use on incidence and progression rates of SIL was determined using multivariate Poisson regression to obtain incidence rate ratios (IRRs), adjusted for age, CD4 count and other potential confounders.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 445 days (inter-quartile range 383, 671). The crude rate of incidence of any SIL was 15.9 episodes (95% confidence limit (CL) 12.7, 19.9) per 100 person-years; the crude rate of all progression of cervical dysplasia among women was 13.5 episodes (95% CL 11.3, 16.1) per 100 person-years. HAART use was associated with a robust reduction in the rate of incidence and progression of cervical lesions, adjusted IRR=0.55 (95% CL 0.37, 0.80). Sensitivity analyses confirmed this main association held for incidence and progression when they were considered separately, and that the result was not dependent on the length of HAART exposure.

CONCLUSION

HAART use was associated with a reduction in the rate of both incidence and progression of cervical lesions among HIV-positive women.

Incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in a cohort of HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVE

To assess cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) incidence in HIV-positive women and the risk factors for these lesions.

METHODS

A retrospective and longitudinal cohort study was conducted from June 13, 1997, to December 18, 2009. At the first visit, the 348 participants had a normal cytologic finding but a negative Schiller test result, or an abnormal cytologic finding but no histologic diagnosis of CIN. Infection with HPV was detected by polymerase chain reaction. The main outcome measure was CIN incidence.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 40 months, 47 women (13.5%) developed CIN, for an incidence of 4.1 cases per 100 person-years of follow-up. The HPV prevalence was 68.1%, 42 women (89.4%) developed CIN 1, and no invasive cervical cancers were identified. On multivariate analysis, women younger than 19 years at first sexual intercourse (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.24-5.35) and women who had never used antiretrovirals or used them only during pregnancy (RR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.31-4.19) were at higher risk for CIN.

CONCLUSION

The CIN incidence was low despite the high HPV prevalence. Being younger than 19 years at first sexual intercourse and not using antiretroviral medications were found to be the main risk factors for CIN.

Cervical pap screening cytological abnormalities among HIV-infected adolescents in the LEGACY cohort

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of cervical Pap screening (CPAP-S), identify factors associated with CPAP-S, and explore risk factors for abnormal cervical cytology in female adolescents with perinatally and behaviorally acquired HIV infection.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

LEGACY is a national observational cohort chart review study of 1478 HIV-infected persons (<age 24 years) managed in 22 HIV specialty clinics in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Sexually active females aged 13-24 years in the LEGACY cohort.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

CPAP-S and abnormal cervical cytology.

RESULTS

Of 231 sexually active female LEGACY participants 13-24 years of age 49% had documentation of CPAP-S between 2001 and 2006. Fifty-eight percent of 113 cervical tests were abnormal (2% high-grade). In multivariable analysis, perinatal HIV infection and black race were associated with decreased likelihood of CPAP-S (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.96 and APR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.96, respectively). Presence of any sexually transmitted infection (STI) was independently associated with increased likelihood of CPAP-S (APR 1.56, 95% CI 1.21, 2.02). CD4+ T-lymphocyte count <200 cells/mL and previous STI diagnosis were independently associated with increased likelihood of abnormal cervical cytology (APR 2.19, 95% CI 1.26-3.78 and APR 1.94, 95% CI 1.29-2.92, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Among sexually active HIV-infected adolescent females, prevalence of CPAP-S was low and cytology was abnormal in more than half of Pap smears. Perinatally HIV-infected, sexually active females were less likely to undergo CPAP-S than their behaviorally HIV-infected counterparts. Interventions targeted at HIV-infected adolescents and care providers are needed to improve CPAP-S in HIV-infected young women, especially those with perinatally acquired HIV infection.

Cervical cytology and histopathologic abnormalities in women living with AIDS in São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Women living with HIV/AIDS present with a higher prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, higher rates of squamous intraepithelial lesions, and are more susceptible to invasive cervical carcinoma progression.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the frequency of precursory cervical lesions of cancer and its risk factors for women living with HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

Sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and laboratory data were collected from medical records from 2008 to 2009 and analyzed using forward stepwise logistic regression.

RESULTS

Medical records of 631 women were reviewed; mean age at AIDS diagnosis was 34 years old (interquartile range = 29-40 years old), 32% were <16 years old at first sexual intercourse; 61% had ≤5 sexual partners during life; 43% had been living with AIDS for ≥9 years; 47% reported previous sexually transmitted infections; 44% presented with HPV infection; and 10% presented with high squamous intraepithelial lesions. Presenting high squamous intraepithelial lesions was significantly associated with home district Human Development Index, age at AIDS diagnosis (>40 years old), time of AIDS diagnosis (>8 years), CD4 cell count <350/mm, and HPV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent squamous intraepithelial neoplasia in these women shows the importance of gynecologic examinations in routine care and follow-up required by those who present with cervical lesions.

The impact of HAART on HPV-related cervical disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has had an unequivocally positive impact on morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. These benefits have clearly extended to some HIV-related malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The impact of HAART on cervical cancer, however, remains uncertain. The objective of this review is to summarize the last ten years of registry-based and clinical research into the impact of HAART on human papillomavirus (HPV) related cervical disease.

RELEVANT FINDINGS

compared to their HIV-uninfected counterparts, HIV-infected women have an increased prevalence of HPV infection, increased risk of progression of HPV-related cervical disease, and an increased risk of invasive cervical cancer. While the partial immune reconstitution afforded by HAART might be expected to decrease susceptibility to HPV infection and cervical disease, the local effects of improved immunosurveillance on the cervix are uncertain and the increased longevity of patients on HAART may increase risk of exposure to HPV and provide the time required for progression of cervical disease. Registry-based evidence has been consistent in identifying the lack of decrease in cervical cancer incidence in the HAART era. Clinical research on the subject, however, has produced conflicting evidence with regards to both the effect of HAART on HPV infection and its impact on cervical disease progression/regression.

SUMMARY

the incidence of cervical cancer has not decreased in the HAART-era. Furthermore, clinical research has not shown a clear benefit of HAART in decreasing HPV-related cervical disease in HIV-infected women. A better understanding of this subject will have an impact on cervical disease surveillance practices.

Bacterial vaginosis as a risk factor for high-grade cervical lesions and cancer in HIV-seropositive women

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of bacterial vaginosis (BV) on the risk of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) among HIV-seropositive women.

METHODS

A hospital-based prospective cohort study of HIV-seropositive women was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa from January 2005 to September 2009. Multivariate log-binomial and Poisson regressions were used to estimate prevalence and rate ratios, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 1954 HIV-seropositive women, the baseline prevalence of HSIL was 17%. BV prevalence was high (54%) and showed no association with prevalence of HSIL (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.92-1.35) nor with cervical lesion progression at follow-up visit (n=503) (adjusted rate ratio: 1.00; 95% CI, 0.65-1.53).

CONCLUSION

Among HIV-seropositive women, BV was not associated with an increased risk of HSIL or cervical lesion progression.

Implementation of cervical cancer prevention services for HIV-infected women in Zambia: measuring program effectiveness

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer kills more women in low-income nations than any other malignancy. A variety of research and demonstration efforts have proven the efficacy and effectiveness of low-cost cervical cancer prevention methods but none in routine program implementation settings of the developing world, particularly in HIV-infected women.

METHODS

In our public sector cervical cancer prevention program in Zambia, nurses conduct screening using visual inspection with acetic acid aided by digital cervicography. Women with visible lesions are offered same-visit cryotherapy or referred for histologic evaluation and clinical management. We analyzed clinical outcomes and modeled program effectiveness among HIV-infected women by estimating the total number of cervical cancer deaths prevented through screening and treatment.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2008, 6572 HIV-infected women were screened, 53.6% (3523) had visible lesions, 58.5% (2062) were eligible for cryotherapy and 41.5% (1461) were referred for histologic evaluation. A total of 75% (1095 out of 1462) of patients who were referred for evaluation complied. Pathology results from 65% (715 out of 1095) of women revealed benign abnormalities in 21% (151), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I in 30% (214), CIN 2/3 in 33% (235) and invasive cervical cancer in 16.1% (115, of which 69% were early stage). Using a conditional probability model, we estimated that our program prevented 142 cervical cancer deaths (high/low range: 238-96) among the 6572 HIV-infected women screened, or one cervical cancer death prevented per 46 (corresponding range: 28-68) HIV-infected women screened.

CONCLUSION

Our prevention efforts using setting-appropriate human resources and technology have reduced morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer among HIV-infected women in Zambia. Financial support for implementing cervical cancer prevention programs integrated within HIV/AIDS care programs is warranted. Our prevention model can serve as the implementation platform for future low-cost HPV-based screening methods, and our results may provide the basis for comparison of programmatic effectiveness of future prevention efforts.

Association between cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus in HIV seropositive women from Johannesburg South Africa

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between CD4 counts, HPV infection and the risk of cervical neoplasia among HIV-seropositive women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 1,010 HIV-seropositive women using cytology-based Pap smears. HPV DNA testing using Linear Array genotyping assay (Roche) was carried out in a subset of 191 patients. Multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios (mPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with log-binomial regression.

RESULTS

Among 1,010 HIV-seropositive women, the prevalence of AGC/ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL or greater was 8.3, 23.5 and 18.0%, respectively. The risk of cervical lesions was higher with CD4 < 200 cells/mm(3) vs. CD4 levels > 500/mm(3). HPV types 16 (41.7%) and HPV 56 (22.2%) were the most common types in HSIL cases. Women with CD4 levels < 200/mm(3) had a higher prevalence of HPV types 16 (p < 0.01) and 66 (p = 0.04). No statistical relationship between cervical lesions and HAART use was found.

CONCLUSION

The burden of HPV infection and HSIL was high and correlated with HIV-induced immunosuppression. HPV 16 was the most common type in HSIL and increased in prevalence with greater immune suppression. Prophylactic HPV 16 vaccination could prevent approximately 40% of HSIL cases. Strengthening screening programs is imperative in this population.

Histologic correlates of glandular abnormalities in cervical cytology among women with human immunodeficiency virus

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the frequency and histologic correlates of glandular abnormalities in cervical cytology among women with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to compare findings with those of women without HIV.

METHODS

In a cohort study of HIV-infected and uninfected women followed between 1994 and 2007, Pap tests were obtained every 6 months. Glandular abnormalities, including atypical glandular cells (AGC), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and adenocarcinoma, were identified and correlated with biopsy histology. Multivariate models to summarize data across visits used generalized estimating equations. The association of Pap and histology results was assessed using chi tests.

RESULTS

Of 48,362 Pap tests from 3,766 women, glandular abnormalities were found in 341 (0.7%) tests from 244 (6%) women, including 93 (1.0%) of 9,564 Pap tests among HIV-seropositive women with CD4 lymphocyte counts less than 250/mm, 103 (0.8%) of 13,023 tests among those with counts 250-500/mm, 68 (0.6%) of 12,470 tests among women with counts greater than 500/mm, and 70 (0.6%) of 11,769 tests among HIV-seronegative women (P for trend=.006). Colposcopy was documented for only 148 (61%) of 244 index Pap tests in women with glandular abnormalities. After index abnormal tests, endocervical curettings were obtained from 106 (43%) women, cervical biopsies from 76 (38%), and endometrial biopsies from 19 (8%). Squamous lesions predominated among histologic findings and histology results did not differ by HIV serostatus (P=.16).

CONCLUSION

Although immunosuppression increased the risk of glandular Pap test abnormalities in women with HIV, these remained uncommon. Compliance with management guidelines can improved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Cancer risk in HIV-infected persons: influence of CD4(+) count

Persons infected with HIV are at increased risk for all cancers known or suspected to have an infectious cause, an effect believed to be primarily mediated by lowered host immunity via the depletion of CD4(+) cells. Whereas Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were recognised as AIDS-defining illnesses early in the HIV epidemic, the influence of declining CD4(+) count on other infection-related cancers has taken longer to establish, undoubtedly because the association is weaker and the dose-response relationship is less steep. However, following improved survival made possible by combined antiretroviral therapy, declining CD4(+) count starts showing an impact on the natural history of various carcinogenic infections and on the risk for an increasingly wide range of cancers, including Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical, anal and liver cancers.

Human papillomavirus in women with and without HIV-1 infection attending an STI clinic in Vitoria, Brazil

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Vitória, Brazil, to assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI)/AIDS clinic. We also investigated the presence of HPV genotypes and assessed covariates for HIV infection. Enrolled patients received a gynecological evaluation, and cervical scrape samples were collected for cytological analysis and HPV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A blood sample was obtained to determine HIV status. HPV infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions were studied in 284 women, 112 (39.4%) HIV-positive women and 172 (60.5%) HIV-negative women. HPV-DNA was detected in 133 (46.8%). HIV-infected women were almost twice as likely to be concurrently infected with HPV than HIV-negative women (OR = 1.87 95% CI: 1.16-3.03). The high proportion of HPV detected among women attending an STI/AIDS clinic, particularly among HIV-infected women, proves the importance of screening this high-risk group in the hope of earlier detection and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Human papillomavirus prevalence, viral load and pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix in women initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy in South Africa: a cross-sectional study

Background

Cervical cancer and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are both important public health problems in South Africa (SA). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs), high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), HPV viral load and HPV genotypes in HIV positive women initiating anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at an anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment clinic in Cape Town, SA in 2007. Cervical specimens were taken for cytological analysis and HPV testing. The Digene Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) test was used to detect HR-HPV. Relative light units (RLU) were used as a measure of HPV viral load. HPV types were determined using the Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping test. Crude associations with abnormal cytology were tested and multiple logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for abnormal cytology.

Results

The median age of the 109 participants was 31 years, the median CD4 count was 125/mm³, 66.3% had an abnormal Pap smear, the HR-HPV prevalence was 78.9% (Digene), the median HPV viral load was 181.1 RLU (HC2 positive samples only) and 78.4% had multiple genotypes. Among women with abnormal smears the most prevalent HR-HPV types were HPV types 16, 58 and 51, all with a prevalence of 28.5%. On univariate analysis HR-HPV, multiple HPV types and HPV viral load were significantly associated with the presence of low and high-grade SILs (LSIL/HSIL). The multivariate logistic regression showed that HPV viral load was associated with an increased odds of LSIL/HSIL, odds ratio of 10.7 (95% CI 2.0 – 57.7) for those that were HC2 positive and had a viral load of ≤ 181.1 RLU (the median HPV viral load), and 33.8 (95% CI 6.4 – 178.9) for those that were HC2 positive with a HPV viral load > 181.1 RLU.

Conclusion

Women initiating ARVs have a high prevalence of abnormal Pap smears and HR-HPV. Our results underscore the need for locally relevant, rigorous screening protocols for the increasing numbers of women accessing ARV therapy so that the benefits of ARVs are not partially offset by an excess risk in cervical cancer.

Prevalence and persistence of cervical human papillomavirus infection in HIV-positive women initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in cervical specimens from treatment-naive women initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and explore the longitudinal association of HPV DNA with CD4 count and HIV viral load (VL).

METHODS

Women enrolled before HAART were evaluated at baseline, weeks 24, 48, and 96 with CD4 count, VL, and cervical swab for HPV DNA.

RESULTS

The 146 subjects had a median CD4 count of 238 cells per microliter and VL of 13,894 copies per milliliter. Ninety-seven subjects (66%) had HPV DNA detected in the baseline specimen including 90 subjects (62%) positive for 1 or more high-risk HPV types. HPV DNA detection declined to 49% at week 96 and that of a high risk HPV type to 39%. The duration of follow-up was associated with decreased detection of HPV DNA of any type (P = 0.045) and of high-risk HPV types (P = 0.003). There was at most a marginal association between HAART response and loss of detection of cervical HPV DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Women initiating HAART had a high prevalence of cervical HPV DNA that declined over 96 weeks of HAART. The relationship of CD4 count and VL response to the decline of cervical HPV DNA was not strong.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens and RNA in HIV-seronegative women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

While investigating whether proteins retrieved by cervicovaginal lavages (CVL) from women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) might correlate with risk of progression to invasive cervical cancer, we unexpectedly identified HIV gag and env glycoprotein in CVL from women with HIV-negative serology. HIV antigens were consistently identified by mass spectrometry (MS) in CVL from 4 women but were absent in CVL from the remaining 16 women. HIV serologies of all 20 patients were negative for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. To validate the unexpected MS findings we performed Western blot (WB) and immunoaffinity chromatography (IC) analysis of CVL for HIV proteins, viral load assays of paired CVL and blood samples, and immunohistochemical HIV p24 expression in cervical biopsy specimens. WB analysis of CVL for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was performed to exclude semen contamination as the source of HIV proteins. WB and IC results demonstrated the presence of HIV-1 gp41 and p24 antigens in four CVL that were identified by MS to have the HIV proteins. Despite negative serology, HIV RNA in CVL and HIV p24 in cervix biopsies were detected in patients with HIV antigen-positive CVL. HIV p24-positive CVL were PSA negative. All 20 subjects remained HIV seronegative throughout the study. Women with HIV proteins and RNA were comparatively older. Our findings suggest that CVL HIV proteins in women with CIN could be markers for unrecognized HIV exposure or subclinical infection. Proteomic screening of cervical secretions may be useful in identifying seronegative women exposed to HIV and/or at risk for AIDS.

Long-term incidence of cervical cancer in women with human immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and compare it with the incidence in HIV-uninfected women.

METHODS

In a cohort study of HIV-infected and uninfected women who had Papanicolaou tests obtained every 6 months, pathology reports were retrieved for women who had biopsy results or a self-report of ICC. Histology was reviewed when reports confirmed ICC. Incidence rates were calculated and compared with those in HIV-negative women.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 3 ICCs were confirmed in HIV-seropositive women, and none were confirmed in HIV-seronegative women. The ICC incidence rate was not found to be associated significantly with HIV status (HIV-negative women [0 of 100,000 person-years] vs HIV-positive women [21.4 of 100,000 person-years]; P = .59). A calculated incidence rate ratio standardized to expected results from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database that was restricted to HIV-infected Women's Interagency HIV Study participants was 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.27-3.85; P = 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with HIV in a prospective study that incorporated cervical cancer prevention measures, the incidence of ICC was not significantly higher than that in a comparison group of HIV-negative women.

HIV, human papillomavirus, and cervical neoplasia and cancer in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

The objective of this study was to review the literature on the epidemiological association between human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, and cervical neoplasia, and the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on this association. MEDLINE was searched using the terms 'human papillomavirus', 'HPV', 'HIV', 'cervix', 'neoplasm', and 'antiretroviral' to identify articles published before December 2006. HIV-infection was strongly associated with a higher prevalence, incidence, and persistence of HPV infection and correlated with prevalence, incidence, persistence, and progression of squamous intraepithelial lesions. The association between HIV and invasive cervical carcinoma has been more difficult to establish, but is now fully recognized. HAART seems to have little, if any, beneficial effect on the natural history of intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive women. Despite this fact, HAART, does increase the life expectancy of HIV-positive women. Therefore, it remains important to closely monitor HPV-related disease in women with HIV who are receiving HAART, particularly in regions of the world where cervical screening is not available routinely.

Gynecologic issues in the HIV-infected woman

In this article, gynecologic conditions of increased importance in the HIV-infected woman are discussed. Women living with HIV may have an increase in menstrual disorders, lower genital tract neoplasias, gynecologic surgery, and sexually transmitted infections. The literature relevant to choosing a method of contraception for HIV-positive women is also discussed. With the advent of HAART, seropositive women are now facing issues around longevity, such as menopause and disorders of bone mineral density, as well as those associated with fertility.

Age-specific prevalence of infection with human papillomavirus in females: a global review

PURPOSE

Global data on age-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection overall, and for high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, are essential for the future implementation of HPV prophylactic vaccines for cervical cancer prevention.

METHODS

A systematic review of peer-reviewed publications was conducted to summarize worldwide data on genital HPV-DNA prevalence in women. Studies with clear descriptions of polymerase chain reaction or hybrid capture detection assays were included.

RESULTS

A total of 346,160 women were included in 375 studies. Of 134 studies with age-stratified HPV prevalence data (116 low sexual risk populations, 18 high sexual risk populations), over 50% were from Europe and the Middle East (38%) and North America (19%), with smaller proportions from Asia and Australia (21%), Central and South America (11%), and Africa (10%). Across all geographical regions, data on HPV prevalence were generally limited to women over 18 years of age. Consistently across studies, HPV infection prevalence decreased with increasing age from a peak prevalence in younger women (< or =25 years of age). In middle-aged women (35-50 years), maximum HPV prevalence differed across geographical regions: Africa (approximately 20%), Asia/Australia (approximately 15%), Central and South America (approximately 20%), North America (approximately 20%), Southern Europe/Middle East (approximately 15%), and Northern Europe (approximately 15%). Inconsistent trends in HPV prevalence by age were noted in older women, with a decrease or plateau of HPV prevalence in older ages in most studies, whereas others showed an increase of HPV prevalence in older ages. Similar trends of HPV 16 and/or 18 prevalence by age were noted among 12 populations with available data.

DISCUSSION

Genital HPV infection in women is predominantly acquired in adolescence, and peak prevalence in middle-aged women appears to differ across geographical regions. Worldwide variations in HPV prevalence across age appear to largely reflect differences in sexual behavior across geographical regions. Further studies of HPV prevalence in adolescents are needed for all geographic regions.