Prevalence and concordance of human papillomavirus infection at multiple anatomic sites among HIV-infected women from Chennai, India

Anal and cervical human papillomavirus genotypes in women co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus: A systematic review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are sexually transmitted. There are several HPV genotypes and clinical manifestations. Determining which genotypes circulate worldwide and/or in specific geographic areas can help with prevention programs and vaccine distribution. This systematic review aimed to investigate the most frequent anal and cervical HPV genotypes in women co-infected with HPV/HIV. The PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences databases were used to search for articles published between January 2015 and August 2021, and the included articles followed the defined selection criteria. Based on the 51 articles included, HPV16 was the most prevalent (41%) genotype, followed by HPV52 (17%) and HPV58 (14%). Based on the comparative analyses of the HIV-negative women with HPV and the HPV/HIV co-infected groups, HPV16 was frequent in both groups; HPV58, HPV31, and HPV52 were more frequent in the co-infected group; and HPV18 was more common in HIV-negative women with HPV. HPV/HIV co-infected women most frequently presented the HPV genotypes 16, 58, and 52, whereas HIV-negative women with HPV had a higher frequency of HPV16, HPV18, and HPV52 genotypes. The results indicate the importance of genotype surveillance as a strategy to improve preventive measures against HPV infection and its complications. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42020220121.

Low Rates of Dual-Site and Concordant Oral-Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infections and Cancers: A Systematic Review

Objective

The oral-cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection/cancer relationship is not well established. Oral-cervical HPV studies were reviewed to assess dual-site occurrence, HPV type concordance, and study quality/deficiencies.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science were searched between 1/1/1990 and 8/10/2021 for studies investigating HPV infections/cancers and type concordance between the oral cavity/oropharynx and cervix. Dual-site and concordant HPV infection rates were summarized as percentages; cancer diagnoses studies were summarized using standardized incidence ratios (SIR). The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (QATQS) evaluated study methodology.

Results

One hundred fourteen papers were identified. Most were cross-sectional (n=79, 69%), involved synchronous dual-site HPV testing (n=80, 70%), did not report HPV type concordance (n=62, 54%), and achieved moderate methodological QATQS ratings (n=81, 71%). The overall dual-site infection rate averaged 16%; the HPV type concordance rate averaged 41%, among those dually-infected women. Most HPV-related cancer diagnoses studies reported increased secondary cancer risk, with SIRs generally ranging from 1.4 to 29.4 for secondary cervical cancer after primary oral cancer and from 1.4 to 6.3 for secondary oral cancer after primary cervical cancer.

Conclusion/Impact

Oral-cervical HPV infections/cancers remain understudied. Future research should use stronger methodologies and HPV concordance analyses to better understand oral-cervical HPV epidemiology.

Anal cytological abnormalities and human papillomavirus infection in women living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To provide a summary estimate of the prevalence of anal cytological abnormalities and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection as well as their covariates in women living with HIV (WLHIV).

METHODS

Four databases - PubMed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest and Web of Science - were searched up to 31 May 2021 for studies reporting on the prevalence and/or covariates of abnormal anal cytology and/or anal HPV infection in WLHIV. The data were extracted independently by two authors using standardized extraction forms. Random effect models were used to estimate the summary effect sizes.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of anal cytological abnormalities in WLHIV was 28.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.8-35.5]. High-grade cytological lesions were seen in 12.1% (95% CI: 8.5-17.2) of the abnormal smears. HPV infection (any type) in the anal samples was detected in 60.7% (95% CI: 54.1-68.0) of the samples while high-risk HPV was found in 44.0% (95% CI: 37.6-51.5). A positive association was seen between anal cytological abnormality and factors such as receptive anal intercourse [meta-risk ratio (meta-RR) = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3-1.8], having multiple sexual partners (1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.5), CD4 count < 200 cells/µL (4.6, 95% CI: 3.0-6.9), anal HPV (4.6, 95% CI: 2.4-8.8), abnormal cervical cytology (2.3, 95% CI: 2.0-2.8), and cervical HPV (meta-RR 4.6, 95% CI: 2.2-9.8). Anal HPV infection was significantly associated with cervical HPV positivity (2.5, 95% CI: 1.2-5.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the high prevalence of abnormal anal cytology and HPV infection in WLHIV. The positive association of anal cytological abnormality with parameters such as abnormal cervical cytology, cervical HPV infection and low CD4 count suggests that anal sex history and examination may be considered in WLHIV undergoing screening for sexually transmitted infection and possessing any of these risk factors.

Concurrent and Concordant Anal and Oral Human PapillomaVirus Infections Are Not Associated with Sexual Behavior in At-Risk Males

Men who have sex with men (MSM) harbor the highest prevalence of anal and oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly if HIV-infected. We investigated anal and oral HPV infections in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected MSM, to assess concurrent (HPV detected at both sites, irrespective of the genotypes), and concordant infections (same genotype[s] detected at both sites). Matched anal and oral samples from 161 MSM (85 HIV-infected, and 76 HIV-uninfected) were tested with the Linear Array. Determinants of concurrent and concordant infections were evaluated using logistic regression. Anal infections were 4 to 7 times more frequent than oral infections in both study groups (p < 0.0001). Concurrent infections were not significantly different in HIV-infected (25.9%) and HIV-uninfected MSM (17.1%), p = 0.18. A concordant infection was found in 15 MSM (9.3%). Concordance was for one genotype in 14 individuals and for four genotypes in the remaining subject. In the overall population, only age was independently associated with a concurrent infection (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.34–7.19 for >39 vs. ≤39 years). None of the parameters of sexual behavior showed independent association with concordant infections. Among MSM, concordant anal and oral HPV infections do not seem to be explained by sexual behavior, but might derive from sequential acquisition by autoinoculation.

Current Updates on Cancer-Causing Types of Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) in East, Southeast, and South Asia

Simple Summary

Among the over 200 human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes identified, approximately 15 of them can cause human cancers. In this review, we provided an updated overview of the distribution of cancer-causing HPV genotypes by countries in East, Southeast and South Asia. Besides the standard screening and treatment methods employed in these regions, we unravel HPV detection methods and therapeutics utilised in certain countries that differ from other part of the world. The discrepancies may be partly due to health infrastructure, socio-economy and cultural diversities. Additionally, we highlighted the area lack of study, particularly on the oncogenicity of HPV genotype variants of high prevalence in these regions.

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains one of the most prominent cancer-causing DNA viruses, contributing to approximately 5% of human cancers. While association between HPV and cervical cancers has been well-established, evidence on the attribution of head and neck cancers (HNC) to HPV have been increasing in recent years. Among the cancer-causing HPV genotypes, HPV16 and 18 remain the major contributors to cancers across the globe. Nonetheless, the distribution of HPV genotypes in ethnically, geographically, and socio-economically diverse East, Southeast, and South Asia may differ from other parts of the world. In this review, we garner and provide updated insight into various aspects of HPV reported in recent years (2015–2021) in these regions. We included: (i) the HPV genotypes detected in normal cancers of the uterine cervix and head and neck, as well as the distribution of the HPV genotypes by geography and age groups; (ii) the laboratory diagnostic methods and treatment regimens used within these regions; and (iii) the oncogenic properties of HPV prototypes and their variants contributing to carcinogenesis. More importantly, we also unveil the similarities and discrepancies between these aspects, the areas lacking study, and the challenges faced in HPV studies.

Cervical and oral human papillomavirus infection in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and matched HIV-negative controls in Brazil

Background

Despite the demonstrated role of human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the etiology of cervical cancer and the strong evidence suggesting the importance of HPV in the development of oropharyngeal cancer, several aspects of the interrelationship between HPV infection in both body sites remain unknown, specifically in female human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive (HIV+) patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence, distribution, and concordance of cervical and oral HPV in HIV+ women and matched HIV-negative (HIV-) controls in Brazil.

Material and methods

Cervical and endocervical samples for cytological screening and HPV detection and oral samples were collected from 115 HIV+ women using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 139 HIV-matched controls (HIV-) in Maringá City, Brazil. Risk factors were assessed using a standardized questionnaire, and the data regarding HIV infection were obtained from the patients’ medical records. HPV detection and typing were performed using the Kit Multiplex XGEN Multi HPV Chip HS12.

Results

HIV infection was well controlled in this cohort, but women who exhibited detectable HIV loads were significantly associated with HPV-positive status overall (P = 0.03) and in cervical mucosa (P = 0.01). HIV+ women had significantly more abnormal cytological findings (P = 0.04) than HIV- women. Of the 115 HIV+ women, 48.7% were positive for cervical and/or oral HPV DNA; of the 139 HIV- women, 41% were positive for cervical and/or oral HPV (P = 0.25). Both HIV+ and HIV- women had a statistically higher prevalence of cervical HPV infection than oral infection. The concurrent HPV infection in two anatomical sites was similar in HIV+ and HIV- women; however, HPV type concordance was not observed. HPV type distribution was different between the anatomical sites in both groups, and HIV+ women presented less common types, mainly in oral mucosa.

Conclusion

Our data support the importance of testing HPV infection in HIV+ women, even when the HIV infection is well controlled. Prospective studies are required to better understand the natural history of HPV infection in both anatomical sites, specifically in HIV+ women.

Association of antiretroviral therapy with anal high-risk human papillomavirus, anal intraepithelial neoplasia, and anal cancer in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the natural history of anal high-risk HPV and anal lesion progression is not well established. We reviewed the association of ART and other HIV-related factors on anal HPV infection, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), and anal cancer among people living with HIV.

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies published between Jan 1, 1996, and Oct 30, 2019, that reported the association of HIV-related exposures (ART or highly active ART [HAART], HIV-RNA plasma viral load [PVL], and nadir or current CD4 cell count) with outcomes of anal high-risk HPV prevalence, incidence, and persistence; prevalence, incidence, progression, or regression of anal histological and cytological abnormalities; and anal cancer incidence. Effect estimates were extracted whenever available; otherwise, they were calculated from raw data. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and random-effects meta-analyses were done to examine heterogeneity using the I² statistic. This study is registered on the PROSPERO database, CRD42018007271.

FINDINGS

We identified 6777 studies, of which 5377 were excluded before full-text review. 122 studies providing estimates for 130 distinct populations matched the inclusion criteria. The populations comprised 417 006 people living with HIV (women, men who have sex with men, and men who have sex with women). 41 (32%) population estimates were not stratified by sex or sexual orientation. People living with HIV receiving ART had 35% lower high-risk HPV prevalence than ART-naive people (crude odds ratio [OR] 0·65, 95% CI 0·54-0·79; I² 12·1%, p=0·31) in 18 studies, and prolonged ART use was associated with a 10% reduction per year in high-risk HPV prevalence in two studies (adjusted OR 0·90, 0·85-0·95; I² 0%, p=0·88). People living with HIV with undetectable PVL had lower HSIL-AIN2+ prevalence than those with detectable PVL (crude OR 0·84, 0·72-0·98; I² 0%, p=0·80) in 16 studies, particularly if sustained for more than 1 year (crude OR 0·62, 0·47-0·81; I² 0%, p=0·51). ART was not associated with anal cancer incidence when adjusted for years living with HIV in three studies (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1·11, 95% CI 0·68-1·80; I² 0%, p=0·57), but ART users with sustained undetectable HIV PVL had 44% lower risk of anal cancer than those without (adjusted HR 0·56, 0·44-0·70; I² 0%, p=0·94) and for each increase in nadir CD4 cell counts of 100 cells per μL, there was a 40% decrease in anal cancer incidence (crude HR 0·60, 0·46-0·78; I² 21·7%, p=0·26).

INTERPRETATION

Effective ART use and early initiation at high nadir CD4 counts might reduce anal high-risk HPV infection and anal cancer risk. Although most studies were cross-sectional in design and few adjusted for potential confounders, this analysis provides comprehensive estimates of the effect of ART and HIV-related factors on the natural history of anal HPV-related disease in people living with HIV.

FUNDING

EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme.

Cervical determinants of anal HPV infection and high-grade anal lesions in women: a collaborative pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer screening might contribute to the prevention of anal cancer in women. We aimed to investigate if routine cervical cancer screening results-namely high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cytohistopathology-predict anal HPV16 infection, anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and, hence, anal cancer.

METHODS

We did a systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library for studies of cervical determinants of anal HPV and HSIL published up to Aug 31, 2018. We centrally reanalysed individual-level data from 13 427 women with paired cervical and anal samples from 36 studies. We compared anal high-risk HPV prevalence by HIV status, cervical high-risk HPV, cervical cytohistopathology, age, and their combinations, using prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CIs. Among 3255 women with anal cytohistopathology results, PRs were similarly calculated for all anal HSIL and HPV16-positive anal HSIL.

FINDINGS

Cervical and anal HPV infections were highly correlated. In HIV-negative women, anal HPV16 prevalence was 41% (447/1097) in cervical HPV16-positive versus 2% (214/8663) in cervical HPV16-negative women (PR 16·5, 95% CI 14·2-19·2, p<0·0001); these values were 46% (125/273) versus 11% (272/2588) in HIV-positive women (4·4, 3·7-5·3, p<0·0001). Anal HPV16 was also associated with cervical cytohistopathology, with a prevalence of 44% [101/228] for cervical cancer in HIV-negative women (PR vs normal cytology 14·1, 11·1-17·9, p<0·0001). Anal HSIL was associated with cervical high-risk HPV, both in HIV-negative women (from 2% [11/527] in cervical high-risk HPV-negative women up to 24% [33/138] in cervical HPV16-positive women; PR 12·9, 95% CI 6·7-24·8, p<0·0001) and HIV-positive women (from 8% [84/1094] to 17% [31/186]; 2·3, 1·6-3·4, p<0·0001). Anal HSIL was also associated with cervical cytohistopathology, both in HIV-negative women (from 1% [5/498] in normal cytology up to 22% [59/273] in cervical HSIL; PR 23·1, 9·4-57·0, p<0·0001) and HIV-positive women (from 7% [105/1421] to 25% [25/101]; 3·6, 2·5-5·3, p<0·0001). Prevalence of HPV16-positive anal HSIL was 23-25% in cervical HPV16-positive women older than 45 years (5/20 in HIV-negative women, 12/52 in HIV-positive women).

INTERPRETATION

HPV-based cervical cancer screening programmes might help to stratify anal cancer risk, irrespective of HIV status. For targeted secondary anal cancer prevention in high-risk groups, HIV-negative women with cervical HPV16, especially those older than 45 years, have a similar anal cancer risk profile to that of HIV-positive women.

FUNDING

International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Whole tissue cervical mapping of HPV infection: Molecular evidence for focal latent HPV infection in humans

In this study, we aimed to provide molecular evidence of HPV latency in humans and discuss potential challenges of conducting studies on latency. We analyzed the entire cervix of two women who underwent hysterectomy unrelated to cervical abnormality. The cervices were sectioned into 242 and 186 sets respectively, and each set was tested separately for HPV using the SPF10-PCR-DEIA-LiPA25 system. To identify whether there was any evidence of transforming or productive infection, we used the biomarkers E4 and P16^INK4a to stain slides immediately adjacent to HPV-positive sections. HPV was detected in both cervices. In patient 1, 1/242 sets was positive for HPV31. In patient 2, 13/186 sets were positive for HPV18 and 1/186 was positive for HPV53. The infection was very focal in both patients, and there was no sign of a transforming or productive infection, as evaluated by the markers E4 and P16^INK4a. Had we only analyzed one set from each block, the probability of detecting the infection would have been 32.3% and 2%, respectively.Our findings support the idea that HPV may be able to establish latency in the human cervix; however, the risk associated with a latent HPV infection remains unclear.

Anogenital human papillomavirus virus DNA and sustained response to the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in women living with HIV-1

OBJECTIVES

People living with HIV have increased Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related lesions and malignancies. We describe HPV DNA recovered from the cervix and anal canal, explore the effect of vaccination on HPV detection, and examine the durability of vaccine titers in women living with HIV-1 who were vaccinated with the quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

METHODS

AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5240 was a prospective study of the quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccine in 315 HIV-1 infected women in three CD4 strata (A: >350, B; 201-350, C: ≤200 cells/mm3). Vaccine was administered at entry, week 8 and week 24. Cervical and anal HPV DNA specimens were collected at baseline, weeks 28 and 52; serum for antibody testing was obtained at baseline, weeks 28 and 72.

RESULTS

Vaccine antibody titers decreased across all four HPV types at week 72 compared to week 28. Lower proportions of sustained seropositivity were observed in women with lower CD4 counts for all four vaccine types, with the lowest titers for HPV 18. Despite the decrease, the geometric mean titer levels were above the seroconversion cut-off levels for all types except HPV 18 in the lowest CD4 stratum. Of the 174 participants who had a negative baseline HPV 16 antibody and developed antibody response at week 28, 95%, 88%, and 86% retained seropositivity at week 72 in strata A, B, and C respectively. Lower antibody retention was observed in women with CD4 < 200 compared to CD4 > 350 (p = 0.016). Anal HPV detection was more prevalent compared to cervical detection at all visits. Among high risk types, type 52, 31, 16, 18 and 51 were the most common in the cervical compartment, while types 16, 35, 18, and 51 were the most prevalent in the anal canal at baseline (listed in the order of prevalence). Later detection of HPV not present at baseline was uncommon in either compartment. Serial recovery of HPV over time was more commonly observed in the anal canal.

CONCLUSION

The qHPV vaccine elicits durable titer response above the seroconversion cut-off levels in HIV-infected women. However, the titer levels were substantially lower by Week 72, most noticeably in type 18. HPV DNA was detected more frequently in the anal canal. Detection of non-vaccine high risk HPV suggests a role for the nonavalent vaccine.

Prevalence of cervical, oral, and anal human papillomavirus infection in women living with HIV in Denmark - The SHADE cohort study

BACKGROUND

Women living with HIV (WLWH) have elevated risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers.

OBJECTIVES

To assess prevalence, distribution and concordance of cervical, oral, and anal HPV infection, and predictors of oral and anal HPV in WLWH in Denmark.

STUDY DESIGN

WLWH followed in the Study on HIV, cervical Abnormalities and infections in women in Denmark (SHADE) were enrolled and examined for cervical, oral, and anal HPV infection. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of anal and oral HPV.

RESULTS

A total of 214 of 334 WLWH had sufficient DNA for analysis at all three anatomical sites and were included in analyses. Cervical, oral, and anal high-risk (hr) HPV prevalence were 28.0%, 3.7% and 39.3%. Most frequent i) cervical, ii) oral and iii) anal hrHPV genotypes were i) hrHPV58 (8.4%), 52 (5.1%), 16 (5.1%) and 51 (5.1%); ii) 52 (1.4%) and iii) 51 (9.3%), 58 (8.9%), 16 (7.0%) and 18 (7.0%). Among present cervical, oral, and anal hrHPV genotypes, 6.7%, 12.5% and 17.9% were targeted by the 2-or 4-valent HPV vaccines, whereas 50.0%, 50.0% and 42.9% of hrHPV genotypes were covered by the 9-valent HPV vaccine. Anal HPV infection was predicted by cervical HPV infection (adjusted OR 4.47 (95%CI 2.25-8.89)).

CONCLUSION

Cervical and anal HPV infection were highly prevalent in WLWH. Non-16/18 hrHPV genotypes were predominant at all anatomical sites. Almost half of all hrHPV infections at the three anatomical sites could have been prevented by childhood/adolescent vaccination with the 9-valent HPV vaccine.

Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection in Indian HIV-Seropositive Men Who Have Sex With Men

BACKGROUND

The incidence of penile cancer in Indian men is high. Little is known about genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Indian HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM), a population that may be at particularly high risk for genital HPV infection and, potentially, penile cancer. In this study, we assessed the prevalence and risk factors for genital HPV infection in this population.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Three hundred HIV-seropositive MSM were recruited from 2 clinical sites in India. They were tested for genital HPV infection using L1 HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction with probes specific for 29 types and a mixture of 10 additional types. Participants received an interviewer-administered questionnaire that included questions on demographics and behaviors.

RESULTS

Human papillomavirus data were available from 299 participants. The prevalence of any HPV type in the penis and scrotum was 55% and 54%, respectively. Human papillomavirus type 35 was the most common oncogenic HPV type followed by HPV-16. In multivariate analysis, being the insertive partner with 100+ male partners increased the odds of any penile HPV infection compared with not being insertive with any partners (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.1). Circumcision was protective against penile HPV infection (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of penile and scrotal HPV infection was high among Indian HIV-seropositive MSM. The most common oncogenic HPV type in this population, HPV-35, is not included in any currently available HPV vaccines. Insertive anal sex with men and lack of circumcision were the primary risk factors for penile HPV infection in this population.

Association of antiretroviral therapy with high-risk human papillomavirus, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and invasive cervical cancer in women living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The interactions between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical lesions in women living with HIV are poorly understood. We reviewed the association of ART with these outcomes.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE and Embase databases for cross-sectional or cohort studies published in English between Jan 1, 1996, and May 6, 2017, which reported the association of ART with prevalence of high-risk HPV or prevalence, incidence, progression, or regression of histological or cytological cervical abnormalities, or incidence of invasive cervcal cancer. Studies were eligible if they reported the association of combination ART or highly active ART use with the following outcomes: high-risk HPV prevalence; squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) prevalence, incidence, progression, or regression; and invasive cervical cancer incidence among women living with HIV. We did random-effects meta-analyses to estimate summary statistics. We examined heterogeneity with the I² statistic. This review is registered on the PROSPERO database at the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK (registration number CRD42016039546).

FINDINGS

We identified 31 studies of the association of ART with prevalence of high-risk HPV (6537 women living with HIV) and high grade cervical lesions (HSIL-CIN2+; 9288 women living with HIV). Women living with HIV on ART had lower prevalence of high-risk HPV than did those not on ART (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·83, 95% CI 0·70-0·99; I²=51%, adjusted for CD4 cell count and ART duration), and there was some evidence of association with HSIL-CIN2+ (0·65, 0·40-1·06; I²=30%). 17 studies reported the association of ART with longitudinal cervical lesion outcomes. ART was associated with a decreased risk of HSIL-CIN2+ incidence among 1830 women living with HIV (0·59, 0·40-0·87; I²=0%), SIL progression among 6212 women living with HIV (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0·64, 95% CI 0·54-0·75; I²=18%), and increased likelihood of SIL or CIN regression among 5261 women living with HIV (1·54, 1·30-1·82; I²=0%). In three studies among 15 846 women living with HIV, ART was associated with a reduction in invasive cervical cancer incidence (crude HR 0·40, 95% CI 0·18-0·87, I²=33%).

INTERPRETATION

Early ART initiation and sustained adherence is likely to reduce incidence and progression of SIL and CIN and ultimately incidence of invasive cervical cancer. Future cohort studies should aim to confirm this possible effect.

FUNDING

UK Medical Research Council.

Cervical human papillomavirus infection in the early postoperative period after liver transplantation: Prevalence, risk factors, and concordance with anal infections

Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing several human papillomavirus (HPV)-related malignancies, including cervical and anal cancers. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the initial prevalence and risk factors for high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) cervical infections in liver transplant recipients, as well as their concordance with anal infections. A total of 50 female patients were enrolled in the Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw (center with >1600 liver transplantations). The initial prevalence of cervical HR-HPV infection was 10.0% (5/50). The only significant risk factor for cervical HR-HPV infection was ≥4 lifetime sexual partners (P=.037). Statistical tendencies toward higher prevalence of cervical HR-HPV infections were found for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV, P=.082) and with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score ≤8 (P=.064). Cervical cytology was abnormal in 10 patients, including three with HR-HPV. Out of 12 patients with available data on anal HR-HPV, one had concordant HPV 16 infection. In conclusion, the initial prevalence of high-risk HPV infection is relatively low, except for patients with ≥4 previous sexual partners and potentially in those with HBV and/or low MELD score.