Oral and anal high-risk human papilloma virus infection in HIV-positive men who have sex with men over a 24-month longitudinal study: complexity and vaccine implications

The Burden of HPV Infections and HPV-Related Diseases Among People With HIV: A Systematic Literature Review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with a significant global burden of precancerous lesions and cancer. People with HIV (PWH) are at higher risk of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases. This systematic review was conducted to synthesize data on the burden of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases among PWH. Studies published between January 2018-June 2023 were sourced from databases and conferences. Included were 221 publications containing epidemiological data on HPV infections and the clinical burden of HPV-related diseases among PWH. The burden varied by geographical region, age, sex, and sexual orientation. Compared to people without HIV (PWoH), PWH had higher prevalence and incidence of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases. Among PWH, the prevalence of anal HPV infection ranged between 44% and 83%; men had a higher prevalence and incidence of anogenital warts than women. The incidence of anal HPV infection was over two-fold greater among transgender women with HIV and men who have sex with men with HIV than among their respective counterparts without HIV. Incident HPV-related anal cancer was up to two-fold higher among PWH than PWoH, and incident cervical cancer was up to six times higher among women with HIV than those without. The most prevalent high-risk (hr) HPV genotypes with HPV-related disease were vaccine genotype HPV16/18/52/58. HPV35 was one of the most prevalent genotypes with anal or cervical HPV infection among PWH of African descent. PWH also have a higher burden of concurrent HPV infections and HPV-related diseases. This study calls for strengthening appropriate HPV vaccine delivery and increasing vaccine uptake among this high-risk group, potentially by integrating HPV vaccination with routine HIV care.

Predicting Factors of Plasma HIV RNA Undetectability after Switching to Co-Formulated Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Alafenamide in Experienced HIV-1 Patients: A Multicenter Study

Switching to bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) from other antiretroviral regimens is safe and effective for virologically suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH). The term virological suppression includes both low but detectable HIV viremia and undetectable HIV viremia, and the latter is possibly associated with a lower immune activation state. Herein, we describe a 24-month follow-up of experienced PLWH with plasma HIV RNA undetectable or detectable < 50 copies/ml switching to BIC/FTC/TAF. A previous 12-month monitoring was available, and the factors correlated with treatment efficacy. This retrospective multicenter study included PLWH who switched to BIC/FTC/TAF in the period of 2019-2022, and who were HBsAg and HCV RNA negative. The follow-up study times were 6 (T6), 12 (T12), 18 (T18), and 24 (T24) months after the switch (T0). Survival analysis with multiple-failure-per-subject design, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, multivariate analysis of variance, multilevel linear regression, and a hierarchical ordered logistic model were applied. A total of 329 PLWH had plasma HIV RNA which was either undetectable or detectable at <50 copies/mL at T0, and 197 responded to all inclusion criteria: M/F 140/57; the median CD4+ cell count was 677 cells/mm3; and HIV RNA at T0 was undetectable in 108 patients. Most of the 197 patients (122, 61.9%) were on a previous INSTI-based regimen. HIV RNA undetectability was more frequent at each follow-up point in patients with HIV RNA that was undetectable at T0, and it showed a higher frequency throughout the follow-up period in patients with always-undetectable HIV RNA in the 12 months before the switch. A higher nadir CD4 cell count had a predictive role, and HBcAb positivity had no influence. In conclusion, the switch could be programmed and possibly delayed on a case-by-case basis in order to achieve persistent plasma HIV RNA undetectability. Undiagnosed loss of HBcAb has no detrimental consequences on the response to BIC/FTC/TAF.

Prevalence of oral and anal human papillomavirus infection in Czech predominantly Human immunodeficiency virus-positive men having sex with men - data from a previously unreported population

Background: HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to experience human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The persistent HPV infection is the major factor in the development of anal and oropharyngeal neoplasms. Data on the prevalence of anal and oral HPV in MSM are almost absent from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. We conducted a cross-sectional study focused on the prevalence of oral and anal HPV infections and the relationship between current anal and oral HPV intrapersonal infection in a Czech population of predominantly HIV-positive MSM. Methods: Oral gargle and anal swab samples from 205 predominantly HIV-positive MSM from the Czech Republic were analysed for HPV infection using PCR. Selected sociodemographic and clinical data were correlated with HPV detection using generalized linear models and multivariate analysis. Results: HPV infection was detected in 183 (96.8%) anal and 48 (23.6%) oral samples. The most common type of HR-HPV was HPV16 in both anal (25.4%) and oral (2.5%) samples. Multiple anal HPV infections and the presence of vaccine-targeted HR-HPV types were significantly correlated with abnormal anal cytology and HIV status. Conclusion: The prevalence of anal HPV infection in Czech predominantly HIV-positive MSM ranks among the highest reported, while oral HPV prevalence is consistent with MSM populations. Minimal overlap of oral and anal HPV types within a patient was observed.

Exploratory study of an oral screening dysplasia program for HIV-infected men who have sex with men

BACKGROUND

HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk to develop human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of a pilot oral dysplasia screening program and its correlation with an anal dysplasia screening program.

METHODS

This was a prospective study with HIV-infected MSM. Oral and anal screenings were performed based on HPV determination, liquid cytology, direct and microscopy oral examinations, high-resolution anoscopy and biopsies, if necessary.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 44.6 years, 55.3% were smokers, and 57.3% had a history of previous anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).The prevalence of oral HPV infections was 14% (9% HPV-high risk), the prevalence of abnormal cytology was 25.2%, and in 4.8% of the patients, oral examinations showed suspicious HSILs. Oral microscopy did not detect additional lesions that visual inspection. Five oral biopsies were performed and the results were normal. No risk factors for oral HPV infections were identified.The prevalence of anal HPV infections was 88.3% (76.7% HPV-high risk), 52.9% of the patients had altered cytology, and in 45.6% anoscopy showed changes suggestive of HSILs. Seventy-two anal biopsies were performed, detecting 25 cases of HSILs (24.3%).A poor correlation was observed between oral and anal HPV infections (κ = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of oral HPV infections, abnormal cytology and lesions in HIV-infected MSM was low, and their correlation with anal HPV-related lesions was slight. These results confirm the current barriers to oral dysplasia screening techniques.

[Prevalence of human papillomavirus (Papillomaviridae; Human papillomavirus) of high carcinogenic risk based on the results of screening of three anatomical loci in men stratified by sexual behavior and HIV status]

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) of high carcinogenic risk (HCR), in addition to being the etiological agent of cervical cancer, also contribute to development of cancer of the anus, vagina, penis, vulva and oropharyngeal cancer. In this connection, further study of the biological properties of this agent and its prevalence in different populations is an urgent task.The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of HCR HPV in three anatomical loci in men stratified by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection status (negative, HIV+/positive/HIV-) as well as by sexual behavior: men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual men (HM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 256 men from Moscow and Moscow region: 73 МSМ/HIV+, 66 МSМ/ HIV-, 58 HM/HIV+, and 59 HM/HIV-. All men were tested for 14 HCR genotypes of HPV (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68). Smears were taken from three anatomical loci: urethra, anus, oropharynx. Testing was preformed using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR-RT).

RESULTS

The highest prevalence of HCR HPV detection, regardless of the locus, was recorded for МSМ/HIV+ (82.2%), and the lowest for HM/HIV (20.3%). The highest detection of HCR HPV in scrapings of epithelial cells from anus was recorded for МSМ/HIV+ (79.5%). The highest incidence of this pathogen in oropharynx also was registered for МSМ/HIV+ (13.7%). The highest incidence of HCR HPV in scrapings of epithelial cells from urethra was recorded for HM/HIV+ (24%). The prevalence of HCR HPV among men was found to differ markedly depending on the anatomical locus, HIV status and sexual behavior.

DISCUSSION

For the first time, there were obtained data on the prevalence of HCR HPV in men with different patterns of sexual behavior and HIV status in the Moscow region.

CONCLUSION

Screening for HCR HPV in male population based on the identification of 14 genotypes of the virus in three anatomical loci (urethra, oropharynx, anus) by PCR-RT will provide the information necessary to improve the system of epidemiological monitoring and proper planning of preventive measures among men with any risk factors for HPV persistence (presence of HIV infection and/or belonging to the MSM group). HPV screening algorithm development is required for men considering their HIV status and sexual behavior. We recommend testing for 14 HCR HPV genotypes in three loci (urethra, anus, oropharynx).

Cross comparison of AmpFire HPV genotyping assay and Roche human papillomavirus (HPV) linear array for HPV genotyping of anal swab samples

Although anal cancers represent just 0.5 % of all new cancer cases in U.S., rates have increased markedly, with highest rates in HIV-infected MSM. American Cancer Society estimates there will be ∼9090 new cases and ∼1420 deaths in 2021. We compared Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping (Roche) and AmpFire HPV Genotyping (AmpFire) assays for concordance and agreement to detect 15 hr-HPV types from 151 anal specimens. Within run precision of AmpFire was assessed on 50 anal specimens. Specimens with Roche Combo-positive and HPV33, HPV35 and/or HPV58-positive results were further tested using HPV52-specific TaqMan assay. AmpFire generated valid results on 149/151 (98.7 %) specimens; 135/149 (90.6 %) and 134/149 (89.9 %) had detectable HR-HPV DNA by AmpFire or Roche, respectively. Overall concordance was 89.8 % (2007/2235, κ = 0.65). HPV16 showed highest overall concordance at 93.3 % (139/149, κ = 0.84). HPV68 had lowest overall concordance at 77.2 % (115/149, κ = 0.28). Kappa values were interpreted as being moderate or good for all other HR-HPV types. Within run precision generated 744/750 concordant results; R² value = 0.97 (p < 0.0001) (Mantel Test). In conclusion, AmpFire and Roche demonstrated good inter-assay agreement for detecting most HR-HPV types from anal samples, with AmpFire detecting a broader range of HPV68 subtypes and detecting HPV52 without the need for confirmatory testing.

Viruses and oral diseases in HIV-infected individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy: What are the risks and what are the mechanisms?

As a result of the extension of life span produced by increasing access to combined antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) face new challenges from comorbidities. Although advances in medical care for HIV infection have dramatically reduced opportunistic infections and AIDS-defining cancers, some non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC) and specific oral diseases such as periodontitis and salivary gland disease are now more prevalent. Cancer prevention is, therefore, a priority issue in care of PLWH, stressing both restoration of immune function and reduction of non-HIV cancer risk factors (tobacco in all its forms; areca nut; heavy alcohol consumption; diets lacking antioxidant vitamins and minerals; and oncogenic virus infections) through specific interventions, especially tobacco and areca nut cessation and alcohol moderation. Detection of oral high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and the universal preventive HPV vaccination among PLWH should be promoted to reduce the malignancy burden, along with routine oral examinations which remain the cheapest, most reliable, most reproducible, and non-invasive tool to identify suspicious lesions. Also, considerations of oral inflammation and periodontal health are important to replication and gene expression of viruses in the mouth. Considering that a key risk factor for this scenario is the presence of oncogenic virus infection such as several members of the human herpesvirus and human papillomavirus families, here we analyze the variables involved in the seeming increase in comorbidities in PLWH.

Spotlight on the role of human papillomavirus vaccines

In high income setting, the massive implementation of screening programs has reduced the incidence of cervical cancer, dramatically. However, cervical cancer still remains a major health concern, being one of the most common cause of death for cancer among women. The adoption of primary prevention through vaccination against HPV aims to reduce the prevalence of HPV-related lesions and cervical cancer. Accumulating data highlighted the cost-effectiveness of introducing HPV vaccination for adolescent and young adults. In the present review, we critically evaluated the role of vaccination against HPV, focusing much more on the role of vaccination in specific cluster of subjects (eg, post-treatment and older adults). Additionally, we evaluated the available evidence on the role of vaccination in HIV-positive subjects and in women receiving solid organs transplantation. We observed that although vaccination might be considered effective in those cluster of subjects; further evidence is needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of vaccination in these settings.

Mouthwash-Based Highly Sensitive Pyro-Genotyping for Nine Sexually Transmitted Human Papilloma Virus Genotypes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, which spreads via contact with infected genital, anal, and oral/pharyngeal areas (oral sex) owing to diverse manners of sexual intercourse. In this study, we devised an oral HPV detection method using mouthwash waste fluids that causes less psychological resistance to visiting the outpatient otolaryngology departments. We successfully detected only the specific unique reverse sequencing probe (using pyro-genotyping) and identified the nine genotypes of HPV targeted for vaccination by pyrosequencing the mouthwash waste fluids of non-head and neck cancer patient volunteers (n = 52). A relatively large number (11/52) of mouthwash waste fluids tested positive for HPV (21.2%; genotype 6, n = 1; 11, n = 1; 16, n = 1; and 18, n = 8). These results surpassed the sensitivity observed testing the same specimens using the conventional method (1/52, 1.9%). Our method (pyro-genotyping) was developed using nine HPV genotypes targeted for vaccination and the results were highly sensitive compared to those of the conventional method. This less expensive, high-throughput, and simple method can be used for detecting oral HPV infection with fewer socio-psychological barriers.