Influence of HIV/AIDS on Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Study From Tanzania

Cervical cancer screening service utilisation and related factors among women on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Asella town, Ethiopia, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the predominant form of cancer in Ethiopia, accounting for the majority of malignant cases. Women account for two-thirds of cancer-related deaths in the country. Cervical cancer screening (CCS) can help prevent disease development, but screening rates are unacceptably low. The greatest number of women were in the most vulnerable group, and the availability of wheal data on their use of CCSs was limited. This study aimed to evaluate the use of CCS and the factors that influence its use among HIV-positive women receiving antiretroviral therapy at public health facilities.

METHODS

This study used a cross-sectional study design. A total of 396 (97.5%) HIV-positive women participated in this study between March 10 and May 30, 2023. Participants enrolled in public health facilities in Asella town were selected through systematic random sampling, and data were collected through on-site interviews using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science, Version 26. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determining factors.

RESULTS

The findings from this study indicated that 30.3% of individuals used cervical cancer screening services. Those women who had knowledge about cervical cancer had a 2.54 times greater likelihood of receiving CCS than those who were not informed (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = (2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42-4.56). Women with a history of sexually transmitted diseases were twice as likely to use CCS as those without such a history (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.13-3.73). Furthermore, women with a positive attitude towards CCS were found to be significant predictors of utilisation, showing a greater than threefold greater likelihood of using these services (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.78-5.81).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of HIV-positive women who underwent cervical cancer screening (CCS) was significantly lower than the recommended guideline of 80%. To enhance the uptake of screening among women with HIV, healthcare professionals should focus on enhancing awareness about cervical cancer, improving attitudes towards CCS, and advancing knowledge about the disease. Healthcare providers' collaboration with both government and nongovernmental stakeholders plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of accessibility and attendance at screening services.

Prevalence of human papilloma virus infection and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among female sex workers in Mumbai, India

Introduction

Cervical cancer, mostly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), has disproportionately high incidence in developing countries. HPV infection being essentially a sexually transmitted infection, high-risk behaviour women with multiple sexual contacts like female sex workers (FSWs) are at higher risk of co-infection with HPV and of developing cervical precancer and cancer.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among FSWs in Mumbai, India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 448 FSWs, between the ages of 18-50 years, by collaborating with local non-government organizations working for the health and welfare of FSW communities at sexually transmitted diseases clinics. All FSWs were screened for HPV DNA by hybrid capture II followed by reference diagnosis of colposcopy and/or cervical biopsy.

Results

The prevalence of HPV DNA positivity was 35.5% and CIN was 2.2%. Factors significantly associated with HPV DNA positivity were age group younger than 30 years odds ratio (OR = 2.098, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.408-3.127), Illiteracy (OR = 2.015, 95% CI 1.305-3.112), being single (OR = 2.409, 95% CI 1.558-3.724), less than 18 years of age at time of initiating work as FSW (OR = 3.718, 95% CI 3.718-2.392), having more than five clients per day (OR = 2.078, 95% CI 1.301-3.318), been working as a FSW for more than 5 years (OR = 2.321, 95% CI 1.455-3.701), not using barrier contraception methods (OR = 5.155, 95% CI 3.395-7.827) and having no exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education program (OR = 29.153, 95% CI 15.385-55.240). FSWs with a positive HPV DNA test are substantially more likely to have CIN compared to those with a negative test (OR = 7.6, 95% CI 1.59-36.25).

Conclusion

The prevalence of HPV infection and CIN was high among FSWs. FSWs with a positive HPV DNA test had a seven times higher risk of developing CIN. The persistence of HPV infection is expected to significantly raise the risk of cervical cancer in the future. It is suggested to have an integrated approach towards cervical cancer screening and HIV/AIDS control activities.

Precancerous lesion determinants in women attending cervical cancer screening at public health facilities in North Shoa Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Precancerous cervical lesions develop in the transformation zone of the cervix and progress through stages known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 2, and 3. If untreated, CIN2 or CIN3 can lead to cervical cancer. The determinants of cervical precancerous lesions are not well documented in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to find the determinants of cervical precancerous lesions among women screened for cervical cancer at public health facilities.

METHODS

A study conducted from January to April 2020 involved 216 women, consisting of 54 cases (positive for VIA during cervical cancer screening) and 162 controls (negative for VIA). It focused on women aged 30 to 49 undergoing cervical cancer screening. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the link between precancerous lesions and different risk factors, considering a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Women who used oral contraceptives for a duration exceeding five years showed a nearly fivefold increase in the likelihood of developing precancerous lesions (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.48, 15.30). Additionally, early age at first sexual intercourse (below 15 years) elevated the odds of developing precancerous lesions fourfold (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 1.46, 9.69). Furthermore, women with HIV seropositive results and a prior history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had 3.4 times (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 1.29, 9.25) and 2.5 times (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.09) higher odds of developing cervical precancerous lesions compared to their counterparts.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, women who have used oral contraceptives for over five years, started sexual activity before the age of 15 and have a history of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are at higher risk of developing precancerous cervical lesions. Targeted intervention strategies aimed at promoting behavioural change to prevent early sexual activity and STIs are crucial for avoiding cervical precancerous lesions. It is crucial to introduce life-course principles for female adolescents early on, acknowledging the potential to prevent and control precancerous lesions at critical stages in life, from early adolescence to adulthood, encompassing all developmental phases.

Association between HIV Serostatus and premalignant cervical lesions among women attending a cervical cancer screening clinic at a tertiary care facility in southwestern Uganda: a comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Uganda has approximately 1.2 million people aged 15-64 years living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Previous studies have shown a higher prevalence of premalignant cervical lesions among HIV-positive women than among HIV-negative women. Additionally, HIV-infected women are more likely to have human papilloma virus (HPV) infection progress to cancer than women not infected with HIV. We determined the prevalence of premalignant cervical lesions and their association with HIV infection among women attending a cervical cancer screening clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in southwestern Uganda.

METHODS

We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study of 210 women aged 22-65 years living with HIV and 210 women not living with HIV who were systematically enrolled from March 2022 to May 2022. Participants were subjected to a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire to obtain their demographic and clinical data. Additionally, Papanicolaou smears were obtained for microscopy to observe premalignant cervical lesions. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the association between HIV status and premalignant cervical lesions.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of premalignant cervical lesions in the study population was 17% (n = 72; 95% C.I: 14.1-21.4), with 23% (n = 47; 95% C.I: 17.8-29.5) in women living with HIV and 12% (n = 25; 95% C.I: 8.2-17.1) in women not living with HIV (p < 0.003). The most common premalignant cervical lesions identified were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in both women living with HIV (74.5%; n = 35) and women not living with HIV (80%; n = 20). HIV infection was significantly associated with premalignant lesions (aOR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.27-4.42; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Premalignant cervical lesions, particularly LSILs, were more common in HIV-positive women than in HIV-negative women, highlighting the need to strengthen the integration of cervical cancer prevention strategies into HIV care programs.

Cost-effectiveness of single-visit cervical cancer screening in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a model-based analysis accounting for the HIV epidemic

Introduction

Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV) face elevated risks of human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition and cervical cancer (CC). Coverage of CC screening and treatment remains low in low-and-middle-income settings, reflecting resource challenges and loss to follow-up with current strategies. We estimated the health and economic impact of alternative scalable CC screening strategies in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a region with high burden of CC and HIV.

Methods

We parameterized a dynamic compartmental model of HPV and HIV transmission and CC natural history to KwaZulu-Natal. Over 100 years, we simulated the status quo of a multi-visit screening and treatment strategy with cytology and colposcopy triage (South African standard of care) and six single-visit comparator scenarios with varying: 1) screening strategy (HPV DNA testing alone, with genotyping, or with automated visual evaluation triage, a new high-performance technology), 2) screening frequency (once-per-lifetime for all women, or repeated every 5 years for WLHIV and twice for women without HIV), and 3) loss to follow-up for treatment. Using the Ministry of Health perspective, we estimated costs associated with HPV vaccination, screening, and pre-cancer, CC, and HIV treatment. We quantified CC cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted for each scenario. We discounted costs (2022 US dollars) and outcomes at 3% annually and calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

We projected 69,294 new CC cases and 43,950 CC-related deaths in the status quo scenario. HPV DNA testing achieved the greatest improvement in health outcomes, averting 9.4% of cases and 9.0% of deaths with one-time screening and 37.1% and 35.1%, respectively, with repeat screening. Compared to the cost of the status quo ($12.79 billion), repeat screening using HPV DNA genotyping had the greatest increase in costs. Repeat screening with HPV DNA testing was the most effective strategy below the willingness to pay threshold (ICER: $3,194/DALY averted). One-time screening with HPV DNA testing was also an efficient strategy (ICER: $1,398/DALY averted).

Conclusions

Repeat single-visit screening with HPV DNA testing was the optimal strategy simulated. Single-visit strategies with increased frequency for WLHIV may be cost-effective in KwaZulu-Natal and similar settings with high HIV and HPV prevalence.

Vaginal microbiome community state types and high-risk human papillomaviruses in cervical precancer and cancer in North-central Nigeria

BACKGROUND

High risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) have a causal role in cervical oncogenesis, and HIV-mediated immune suppression allows HR-HPV to persist. We studied whether vaginal microbiome community state types (CSTs) are associated with high-grade precancer and/or invasive cervical cancer (HSIL/ICC).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of adult women with cervical cancer screening (CCS) at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Jos, Nigeria, between January 2020 and February 2022. Cervical swabs underwent HPV genotyping (Anyplex™ II HPV28). Cervico-vaginal lavage (CVL) sample was collected for 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We used multivariable logistic regression modelling to assess associations between CSTs and other factors associated with HSIL/ICC.

RESULTS

We enrolled 155 eligible participants, 151 with microbiome data for this analysis. Women were median age 52 (IQR:43-58), 47.7% HIV positive, and 58.1% with HSIL/ICC. Of the 138 with HPV data, 40.6% were negative for HPV, 10.1% had low-risk HPV, 26.8% had single HR-HPV, and 22.5% had multiple HR-HPV types. The overall prevalence of any HR-HPV type (single and multiple) was 49.3%, with a higher proportion in women with HSIL/ICC (NILM 31.6%, LSIL 46.5%, HSIL 40.8%, and 81.5% ICC; p = 0.007). Women with HIV were more likely to have HSIL/ICC (70.3% vs. 29.7% among women without HIV). In crude and multivariable analysis CST was not associated with cervical pathology (CST-III aOR = 1.13, CST-IV aOR = 1.31). However, in the presence of HR-HPV CST-III (aOR = 6.7) and CST-IV (aOR = 3.6) showed positive association with HSIL/ICC.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal microbiome CSTs were not significantly associated with HSIL/ICC. Our findings suggest however, that CST could be helpful in identifying women with HSIL/ICC and particularly those with HR-HPV. Characterization of CSTs using point-of-care molecular testing in women with HR-HPV should be studied as an approach to improve early detection and cervical cancer prevention. Future longitudinal research will improve our understanding of the temporal effect of non-optimal CST, HR-HPV, and other factors in cervical cancer development, prevention, and control.

Upscaling cervical cancer screening and treatment for women living with HIV at a rural referral hospital in Tanzania: protocol of a before-and-after study exploring HPV testing and novel diagnostics

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) is nearly always caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is the most common cancer among women living with HIV (WLWH) and is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in East Africa, with 10,241 new cases reported in Tanzania in 2020. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented a global strategy for the elimination of CC as a public health problem, proposing targets to meet by 2030 for HPV vaccine coverage (90% of all 15-year-old girls), CC screening (70% of all women once at 35 and again at 45 years of age) and treatment delivery, to be scaled at national and subnational levels with a context-sensitive approach. This study aims to evaluate the upscaling of screening and treatment services at a rural referral hospital in Tanzania in order to address the second and third WHO targets.

METHODS

This is an implementation study with a before-and-after design performed at St. Francis Referral Hospital (SFRH) in Ifakara (south-central Tanzania). CC screening and treatment services are integrated within the local HIV Care and Treatment Center (CTC). The standard of care, consisting of visualization of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy has been up-scaled with self-sampled HPV testing and also involved the introduction of mobile colposcopy, thermal ablation and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Participants are WLWH aged 18 to 65 years. Outcome measures included the percentage of women screened, HPV prevalence and genotype, and adherence to screening, treatment and follow-up plan. Additionally, we will explore the performance of novel diagnostic tests (QG-MPH®, Prevo-Check® and PT Monitor®), which share the features of being manageable and inexpensive, and thus a potential tool for effective triage in HPV high-prevalence cohorts.

DISCUSSION

The study will provide relevant information about HPV prevalence and persistence, as well as reproductive and lifestyle indicators in a CC high-risk cohort of WLWH and about upscaling screening and treatment services at the level of a rural referral hospital in Tanzania. Furthermore, it will provide exploratory data on novel assays.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05256862, date of registration 25/02/2022. Retrospectively registered.

Cervical cancer in Northern Tanzania-What do women living with HIV know

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is more prevalent in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to the general population. The magnitude is high among all countries burdened with HIV-Tanzania is no exception. Despite the unprecedented risk, women living with HIV (WLHIV) may not be aware of the risk and might have unfounded beliefs thereof. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, awareness, and beliefs on CC screening among WLHIV attending a clinic at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Northern Tanzania.

Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 WLHIV attending care and treatment clinic (CTC) at KCMC. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Both descriptive and regression methods were used to determine CC knowledge, awareness, and beliefs as well as factors associated with knowledge of CC among WLHIV using SPSS version 23.

Results

Participants' mean age was 46 ± 10.4 years. Although just half (54.7%) of WLHIV had insufficient knowledge of CC, the majority of the participants (83.5%) were able to recognize at least three risk factors, but with limited understanding of symptoms and prevention. The majority held positive beliefs on CC and screening practices. Factors associated with good knowledge of CC included being married (AOR: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.84-7.28), having used ART for at least 2 years (AOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.36-12.21), and having previously screened for CC (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.59).

Conclusion

WLHIV attending care and treatment center had insufficient knowledge about CC screening. To further improve screening and treatment for CC, at both facility and community levels, targeted awareness and education campaigns are warranted.

Factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

Despite cervical cancer being a highly preventable disease, it is the fourth most common cancer among women in both incidence and mortality. Cervical cancer screening is crucial in preventing the disease. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at higher risk of cervical cancer because of their immune-compromised state. We aimed to determine factors associated with cervical cancer screening among WLHIV in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region among 297 WLHIV attending care and treatment centers (CTC) in northern Tanzania between August 21 and September 3, 2020; and interviewed using a questionnaire. Logistic regression model determined factors associated with cervical cancer screening at 5% significance level. Half (50.2 %) of the 297 WLHIV had ever screened for cervical cancer. WLHIV with positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening (AOR = 3.48, 95 % CI 1.86, 6.51) and those who received information on cervical cancer from Health Care Providers (HCP) (AOR = 17.31, 95 % CI 6.00, 50.22) had higher odds of ever being screened for cervical cancer. Lower odds of screening (AOR = 0.50, 95 % CI 0.27, 0.96) were among women diagnosed with HIV within the past three years. WLHIV having a positive attitude towards screening and received cervical cancer screening information from HCP, were likely to have ever screened. Women newly diagnosed with HIV are less likely to have ever screened. HCPs at CTC are an important source of information about screening and for promoting cervical cancer screening among WLHIV. Special attention should be given to women newly diagnosed with HIV.

HIV Prevalence among Injury Patients Compared to Other High-Risk Groups in Tanzania

Sixty-eight percent of persons infected with HIV live in Africa, but as few as 67% of those know their infection status. The emergency department (ED) might be a critical access point to HIV testing. This study sought to measure and compare HIV prevalence in an ED injury population with other clinical and nonclinical populations across Tanzania. Adults (≥18 years) presenting to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center ED with acute injury of any severity were enrolled in a trauma registry. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare HIV prevalence in the trauma registry with other population groups. Further, 759 injury patients were enrolled in the registry; 78.6% were men and 68.2% consented to HIV counseling and testing. The HIV prevalence was 5.02% (tested), 6.25% (self-report), and 5.31% (both). The systematic review identified 79 eligible studies reporting HIV prevalence (tested) in 33 clinical and 12 nonclinical population groups. Notable groups included ED injury patients (3.53%, 95% CI), multiple injury patients (10.67%, 95% CI), and people who inject drugs (17.43%, 95% CI). These findings suggest that ED injury patients might be at higher HIV risk compared to the general population, and the ED is a potential avenue to increasing HIV testing among young adults, particularly men.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of HIV Infection on Outcomes of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancers Treated With Either Conventional or Hypofractionated Radiotherapy: The Uganda Experience

PURPOSE

We annually treat more than 800 new patients with cervical cancer, where the majority (approximately 60%) have locally advanced disease and approximately 40% of them are infected with HIV. To optimally care for this large number of patients in low-income settings is difficult. From July 2011, we started using 45.0 Gy/15# hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) as a substitute to 50.0 Gy/25# conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT), for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). This study aims at comparing the 5-year treatment outcomes between patients with LACC, known HIV serostatus, and treated with either CFRT or HFRT.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted according to demographic/clinical data, radiotherapy fractionations, and outcomes. Factors considered were FIGO stages IIB-IIIB, known HIV serostatus, and had completed external-beam radiotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy. The primary end point was overall survival; the secondary end points were toxicity and compliance.

RESULTS

The study included 221 patients. Squamous cell carcinomas were 95.1% and adenocarcinomas 2.3%. The median age was 45.0 (interquartile range, 38.0-52.0) years. Stages IIB, IIIA, and IIIB were 38.9%, 6.3%, and 54.8%, respectively. HIV-positive and HIV-negative were 87 (39.4%) and 134 (60.6%), respectively. Chemoradiation was administered in 100 (45.2%), and 52 (52.0%) completed chemotherapy. CFRT/HFRT were 116 (52.5%)/105 (47.5%). At 24 months, the overall response was 54.1% for HIV-negative compared with 45.0% for HIV-positive ( P value .262). There was no significant differences in acute/late toxicity grades ≥ 2 for HIV-negative/positive treated with HFRT/CFRT. At 60 months, the survival probabilities were 45.7% and 27.7% for HIV-negative and HIV-positive treated with CFRT ( P value = .006), whereas it was 44.2% and 30.7% for HIV-negative and HIV-positive treated with HFRT ( P value = .048), respectively.

CONCLUSION

For the treatment of LACC with known HIV serology, there was no significant statistical difference in terms of response, toxicity, and compliance between CFRT and HFRT. However, the difference in overall survival between HIV-negative and HIV-positive was significant.

Screening for Early Detection of Cervical Cancer in Women Living with HIV in Mumbai, India - Retrospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Cancer Center

Introduction Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of persistent human papillomavirus infection (HPV) of developing cervical cancer precursors and are, therefore, considered at higher risk for cervical cancer. Despite the higher risk, screening for cervical cancer is extremely low among HIV-positive women in India.

Objectives Given the limited usefulness of cytology-based screening programs, the current study retrospectively evaluated the comparative performance of visual inspection with 5% acetic acid (VIA), conventional cytology, and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing among HIV-positive women attending the cancer screening clinic at the tertiary cancer center.

Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of 291 HIV-positive women attending cervical cancer screening services in a tertiary cancer center in Mumbai was undertaken. All underwent simultaneous screening with VIA, Pap cytology, and HPV DNA testing, followed by diagnostic colposcopy and histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 on histology were estimated.

Results The screen positivity rate for cervical cancer screening by VIA, high-risk HPV DNA, and Pap cytology was 35.7, 34.4, and 6.2% respectively. At the CIN2+ disease threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV estimates were 80.00% (59.30–93.17), 68.42% (62.46–73.96), 19.23% (15.46–23.67), 97.33% (94.30–98.77) for VIA; 80.00% (68.78–97.45), 70.68% (64.81–76.08), 22.00% (18.22–26.32), 98.43% (95.58–99.45) for HPV DNA; and 64.00% (42.52–82.03), 98.12% (95.67–99.39), 76.19% (56.13–88.89), 96.67% (94.50–98.00) for cytology (HSIL cutoff).

Conclusion The diagnostic performance of VIA and HPV DNA was comparable and better than cytology indicating that VIA as a cost-effective cervical cancer screening test can be incorporated within the services under sexually transmitted diseases /HIV testing and counseling centers within the country.

Precancerous Lesions of the Cervix and Associated Factors among Women of East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer of women's reproductive system, and is caused by a progression of precancerous lesions of the cervix. Studies on the prevalence and associated factors of precancerous lesions of the cervix are very limited in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess precancerous lesions of the cervix and associated factors among women of East Gojjam, northwest Ethiopia in 2020.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 cervical cancer-screened women in three hospitals of East Gojjam from February to April 2020. Data were collected by six BSc-qualified nurses who were working in the selected hospitals. EpiData Manager and SPSS 26 were used for data management and analysis. After the data had been clean, descriptive analysis was done and multivariate logistic regression used to identify predictors of precancerous lesions of the cervix. Statistical significance was taken to be P<0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 340 recruited women, 15.3% (95% CI 11.83%-19.54%) had precancerous cervical lesions. Mean age was 37.11±9.3 years. Age 46-55 (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.21-12.47) years, age 56-65 (AOR 12.26, 95% CI 3.18-47.18) years, residing rurally (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.12-3.7), prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills (AOR 9.11, 95% CI 1.14-72.8), history of sexual transmitted infection (STI; AOR 3.40, 95% CI 1.32-8.78), HIV-positive status (AOR 4.89, 95% CI 1.54-15.49), and number of lifetime sexual partners (AOR 9.87, 95% CI 1.38-70.4) were important factors associated with precancerous lesions of the cervix.

CONCLUSION

We found relatively high prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions. Age, rural residence, prolonged use of oral contraceptives, STI, multiple sexual partners, and being HIV-positive were important factors associated with precancerous cervical lesions. Women aged >46 years, with a history of STI, being HIV infected, and with a history of multiple sexual partners should be encouraged to get screened for cervical cancer.

High-risk HPV genotypes in Zimbabwean women with cervical cancer: Comparative analyses between HIV-negative and HIV-positive women

BACKGROUND

High-risk human papillomavirus HPV (HR-HPV) modifies cervical cancer risk in people living with HIV, yet African populations are under-represented. We aimed to compare the frequency, multiplicity and consanguinity of HR-HPVs in HIV-negative and HIV-positive Zimbabwean women.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study consisting of women with histologically confirmed cervical cancer attending Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe. Information on HIV status was also collected for comparative analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from 258 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumour tissue samples, and analysed for 14 HR-HPV genotypes. Data was analysed using Graphpad Prism and STATA.

RESULTS

Forty-five percent of the cohort was HIV-positive, with a median age of 51 (IQR = 42-62) years. HR-HPV positivity was detected in 96% of biospecimens analysed. HPV16 (48%), was the most prevalent genotype, followed by HPV35 (26%), HPV18 (25%), HPV58 (11%) and HPV33 (10%), irrespective of HIV status. One third of the cohort harboured a single HPV infection, and HPV16 (41%), HPV18 (21%) and HPV35 (21%) were the most prevalent. HIV status did not influence the prevalence and rate of multiple HPV infections (p>0.05). We reported significant (p<0.05) consanguinity of HPV16/18 (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1-0.9), HPV16/33 (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1-1.0), HPV16/35 (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 2.0-6.0), HPV35/51 (OR = 6.0; 95%CI = 1.8-15.0); HPV39/51 (OR = 6.4; 95% CI = 1.8-15), HPV31/52 (OR = 6.2; 95% CI = 1.8-15), HPV39/56 (OR = 11 95% CI = 8-12), HPV59/68 (OR = 8.2; 95% CI = 5.3-12.4), HPV66/68 (OR = 7; 95% CI = 2.4-13.5), independent of age and HIV status.

CONCLUSION

We found that HIV does not influence the frequency, multiplicity and consanguinity of HR-HPV in cervical cancer. For the first time, we report high prevalence of HPV35 among women with confirmed cervical cancer in Zimbabwe, providing additional evidence of HPV diversity in sub-Saharan Africa. The data obtained here probes the need for larger prospective studies to further elucidate HPV diversity and possibility of selective pressure on genotypes.

Prevalence and Determinants of Pre-Cancerous Cervical Lesion and Human Papillomavirus Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Women in North-West Ethiopia: A Comparative Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The poor socio-economic status, underdeveloped health care system, and the high HIV/AIDS burden have potentially increased the incidence of cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Ethiopia. Studies on the magnitude of pre-cancerous cervical lesion and human papillomavirus (HPV) among HIV-infected women are still limited, particularly in the current study setting. Thus, we determined the prevalence of pre-cancerous cervical lesion and HPV among HIV-infected women in comparison with HIV-uninfected women at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DTCSH), North-West Ethiopia.

Methods

Hospital-based comparative retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 546 women from July 2018 to January 2020 at DTCSH. All records during the study period were collected using a structured checklist. Epi data version 4.02 and SPSS version 25.0 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively.

Results

The overall prevalence of pre-cancerous cervical lesion among 546 women was 8.8%. The prevalence of pre-cancerous cervical lesion was comparable between HIV-infected (9.3%) and HIV-uninfected women (8.6%) (p = 0.859). Age >45 years old, widowed marital status, multiparous (women ≥ 5 childbirths), and educational status were independent contributing factors of a pre-cancerous cervical lesion. Regarding HPV prevalence, among 109 screened women, 7 (6.4%) were positive for both HPV 16 and 18 strains.

Conclusion

HIV infection was not statistically correlated with the magnitude of pre-cancerous cervical lesion (p = 0.859). Women in the study setting developed pre-cancerous cervical lesions irrespective of their HIV status. Hence, we recommend routine screening of women for pre-cancerous cervical lesion and HPV infection regardless of their HIV status for early management and prevention of associated morbidity and/or mortality.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally among women in incidence and mortality. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are disproportionately at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Aim

To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among WLHIV in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania, following the integration of these services in routine HIV care in the country.

Methods and results

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region among 297 WLHIV attending care and treatment centers (CTC) in Hai district and Mawenzi regional hospitals in northern Tanzania between 21 August and 3 September 2020. A questionnaire was used for data collection using face‐to‐face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Frequencies and percentages summarized categorical variables and numerical variables summarized using median and interquartile range (IQR). About half (50.2%) of 297 WLHIV in this study had ever screened for cervical cancer, and 64% screened within the past 12 months preceding the survey. Although 90% ever heard of cervical cancer screening, only 20.5% knew when WLHIV should start screening. Over half (52.5%) had adequate knowledge of prevention, 38.4% on risk factors, and 27.9% of cervical cancer signs and symptoms. Two‐thirds (66.7%) had positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. A major source of cervical cancer screening information was the health care providers (80.1%) and the mass media (66%), particularly radio.

Conclusions

The WLHIV in this study had inadequate knowledge but favorable attitudes toward cervical cancer screening, while half had screened for cervical cancer. Efforts should be directed to capacity building of health care providers at CTC and scaling up the mass media campaigns as relevant interventions to promote the uptake of cervical cancer screening programs among WLHIV in Tanzania.

A prognostic study of patients with cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS in Bangkok, Thailand

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Favorable prognostic factors were a civil servant medical benefit plan and higher education.

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Advanced disease was a significant prognostic factor for shorter survival.

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HIV/AIDS status was not a significant prognostic factor for longer survival.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers of women. In Thailand, the incidence and death rate of cervical cancer are 18.1 and 5.7 per 100,000 women, respectively. Disease progresses faster in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, limited data are available for Thailand. Here we determined the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and identified factors affecting survival. We reviewed medical records of women infected with HIV with cervical cancer treated at Ramathibodi Hospital from 2007 through 2014. Demographic and clinical data were collected upon diagnosis. We used the Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the association of overall survival (OS) with risk factors. The mean, median and range of ages at diagnosis of the 1,362 subjects were 53.9 years, 53.0 years and 20–94 years, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in patients with cervical cancer was 2.3% and 5-year survival was 61.2%. Multivariable analysis revealed that favourable prognostic factors were a civil servant medical benefit plan and higher education. Advanced cervical cancer was a poor prognostic factor. Prognosis of women with stage III and IV cervical cancer was extremely poor (HR = 7.25 (95%CI: 4.39–11.98)) in stage III and HR = 20.57 (95%CI: 11.59–36.53) in stage IV). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with (74.2%, 67.6%, and 63.6%, respectively) or without (87.4%, 71.3% and 63.7%, respectively) HIV/AIDS were not significantly different.

PD-L1 protein expression and copy number gains in HIV-positive locally advanced cervical cancer

Background:

The programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis may represent a target for cervical cancer; however, it is poorly understood in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.

Methods:

We evaluated HIV-positive (n = 42) and HIV-negative (n = 110) women with locally advanced cervical cancer regarding their PD-L1 expression, determined by combined positive score (CPS) ⩾ 1 and tumor proportion score (TPS) ⩾ 25%, and PD-L1 copy number alterations, assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results:

Regardless of HIV status, 84.9% and 44.8% of cases were PD-L1-positive according to CPS ⩾ 1 and TPS ⩾ 25%. Per CPS ⩾ 1, PD-L1 positive rate was similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, whereas a significant difference was seen per TPS ⩾ 25%. Tumor size and parametrial invasion were correlated with PD-L1 positivity in HIV-negative women, whereas anti-retroviral therapy (ART) was correlated with TPS < 25%. Low CD4-positive cell counts were associated with CPS < 1 in HIV-positive women. No significant difference was observed in PD-L1 copy number status between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. PD-L1 amplification and polysomy were independently associated with TPS ⩾ 25%, whereas the presence of parametrial invasion was independently associated with CPS ⩾ 1. Cancer stage and PD-L1 amplification were identified as independent predictors of recurrence-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.40 (1.32–4.36) and HR = 5.33 (1.94–14.61)] and cancer-specific survival [HR = 13.62 (5.1–36.38) and HR = 3.53 (1.43–8.69)]. PD-L1 polysomy was an independent predictor of locoregional recurrence-free survival [HR = 3.27 (1.27–8.41)]. HIV status and PD-L1 expression (CPS ⩾ 1 or TPS ⩾ 25%) were not associated with poor patient outcomes.

Conclusion:

PD-L1 amplification and polysomy are the strongest drivers of PD-L1 expression in cervical cancer, and could represent prognostic biomarkers for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Cervical cancer biology may be modulated by HIV infection, CD4-positive cells, and HIV treatments.

Abnormal cervical cytology amongst women infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Limpopo province, South Africa

Background

Cervical cancer remains the major public problem worldwide and the most common gynaecological malignancy in the developing world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology amongst women with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and examine the association between HIV and histological grading.

Setting

The study was conducted in Limpopo province, which is the northernmost province of South Africa. The province has five district municipalities with one tertiary, five regional and thirty four district hospitals.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cervical cancer cases in Limpopo province (LP) of South Africa, using data collected routinely by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). The data on smears submitted for cytology between 2013 and 2015 were extracted from the Central Data Warehouse (CDW) database.

Results

A total of 84 466 women were screened for cervical cytology smears. Their mean age was 39.8 ± 13.6 years, with range from 15 to 113 years; 77.2% were in the age group 30 years and older and 19.6% had an abnormal cervical cytology result. Overall, 46.4% of the women screened for cervical cancer were HIV infected. A significantly higher proportion of HIV-positive women had abnormal cytology than HIV-negative women (31.8% vs. 9.2%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of abnormal cytology amongst HIV-positive women is relatively high, and the risk appears to be significantly greater in all age groups. This finding highlights the need to ascertain HIV status of all women presenting with cervical cancer.

Co-existence of Herpes simplex virus type 2 and two other oncoviruses is associated with cervical lesions in women living with HIV in South-Western Nigeria

Background

The prevalence of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in cervical lesions is under-reported, especially in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infected persons.

Objectives

This study determined the prevalence of viral mono-infections, co-infections and squamous cell intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in HIV seropositive (HIV+) and HIV seronegative (HIV-) women.

Methods

This study included HIV+ and HIV- women (105 each). Cervical smears and viral antibodies were evaluated by Papanicolaou's technique and ELISA method, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of HSV-2, HPV and EBV infections, and SIL were higher in HIV+ women (75.2, 41.9, 41 and 32.4%) than in HIV- women (45.7, 26.7, 26.7 and 13.3%) at p< 0.0001, p= 0.029, 0.041 and 0.002, respectively. Higher prevalence of viral mono-infection and tri-infection was observed in HIV+ women (43.8 and 24.8%) than in HIV- women (27.6 and 8.6%) at p= 0.021, and 0.003, respectively. The prevalence of SIL was also higher in HIV+ women with viral mono-infection, bi-infection and tri-infection (15.2, 42.9, and 53.8%) than in HIV- women (6.9, 12.5, and 44.4%) at p= 0.468, 0.041, and 0.711, respectively.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the high prevalence of SIL in HIV+ women could be associated with viral co-infections.

HIV and development of epithelial cell abnormalities in women with prior normal cervical cytology in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

HIV-associated cellular immune dysfunction has been linked to higher risk of cervical dysplasia and cancer in HIV infected women. We sought to understand the relationship between HIV and development of epithelial cell abnormalities (ECA) at follow-up in women with prior normal cervical cytology (NCC).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis of women who received a Pap test at the Operation Stop Cervical Cancer Unit in Jos, Nigeria over a 10-year period (2006-2016). We analyzed the data of women with NCC at first Pap who had at least one follow-up cytology result for time-to-detection of ECA. We determined follow-up time in years from date of first NCC to date of first ECA report or date of last NCC follow up report with censoring at last follow-up date or December 31st, 2016 whichever came first. The primary outcome was development of any ECA as defined by the Bethesda 2001 reporting system. We identified demographic and clinical factors associated with incident ECA using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1599 women were eligible for this analysis. Overall, 3.7% (57/1556) of women reported being HIV infected. The median age at first Pap was 39 years (IQR; 33-45). The HIV infected women were younger (36.3 ± 8.1) compared to those uninfected (39.3 ± 6.6), p = 0.005. After an accrued follow-up time of 3809 person-years (PYs), 243 women (15%) had an ECA with an event rate of 6.38 per 100 PYs. Women ≥35 years at first Pap were more likely to have an ECA compared to those < 35 years (7.5 per 100 PYs vs 3.8 per 100 PYs, HR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.8). HIV status was not significantly associated with developing ECA in either unadjusted (7.4 per 100 PYs vs 6.4 per 100 PYs, HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.53, 2.3) or adjusted analyses (aHR = 1.78; 95% CI: 0.87, 3.65).

CONCLUSION

Women living with HIV and on successful antiretroviral treatment may not have a differential hazard in the development of ECA during follow up after a prior normal Pap. Offering a repeat CCS to women who are 35 years or older irrespective of HIV status is likely an effective strategy in resource limited settings.

Age, absolute CD4 count, and CD4 percentage in relation to HPV infection and the stage of cervical disease in HIV-1-positive women

A subgroup of women who are co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human papillomavirus (HPV), progress rapidly to cervical disease. We characterized HPV genotypes within cervical tumor biopsies, assessed the relationships of cervical disease stage with age, HIV-1 status, absolute CD4 count, and CD4 percentage, and identified the predictive power of these variables for cervical disease stage in a cohort of South African women.We recruited 181 women who were histologically diagnosed with cervical disease; 87 were HIV-1-positive and 94 were HIV-1-seronegative. Colposcopy-directed tumor biopsies were confirmed by histology and used for genomic DNA extraction. The Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping test was used for HPV genotyping. Peripheral whole blood was used for HIV-1 rapid testing. Fully automated FC500MPL/CellMek with PanLeucogate (PLG) was used to determine absolute CD4 count, CD4 percentage, and CD45 count. Chi-squared test, a logistic regression model, parametric Pearson correlation, and ROC curves were used for statistical analyses. We used the Benjamini-Horchberg test to control for false discovery rate (FDR, q-value). All tests were significant when both P and q were <.05.Age was a significant predictor for invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in both HIV-1-seronegative (P < .0001, q < 0.0001) and HIV-1-positive women (P = .0003, q = 0.0003). Sixty eight percent (59/87) of HIV-1-positive women with different stages of cervical disease presented with a CD4 percentage equal or less than 28%, and a median absolute CD4 count of 400 cells/μl (IQR 300-500 cells/μl). Of the HIV-1-positive women, 75% (30/40) with ICC, possessed ≤28% CD4 cells vs 25% (10/40) who possessed >28% CD4 cells (both P < .001, q < 0.001). Furthermore, 70% (28/40) of women with ICC possessed CD4 count >350 compared to 30% (12/40) who possessed CD4 count ≤ 350 (both P < .001, q < 0.001).Age is an independent predictor for ICC. In turn, development of ICC in HIV-1-positive women is independent of the host CD4 cells and associates with low CD4 percentage regardless of absolute CD4 count that falls within the normal range. Thus, using CD4 percentage may add a better prognostic indicator of cervical disease stage than absolute CD4 count alone.

Investigation of Cervical Tumor Biopsies for Chromosomal Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI) at the HLA II Locus in HIV-1/HPV Co-infected Women

Background: A subgroup of women who are co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human papillomavirus (HPV) progress rapidly to cervical disease regardless of high CD4 counts. Chromosomal loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI) are early frequent genetic alterations occurring in solid tumors. Loss of an allele or part of a chromosome can have multiple functional effects on immune response genes, oncogenes, DNA damage-repair genes, and tumor-suppressor genes. To characterize the genetic alterations that may influence rapid tumor progression in some HIV-1-positive women, the extent of LOH and MSI at the HLA II locus on chromosome 6p in cervical tumor biopsy DNA samples with regard to HIV-1/HPV co-infection in South African women was investigated.

Methods: A total of 164 women with cervical disease were recruited for this study, of which 74 were HIV-1-positive and 90 were HIV-1-seronegative. DNA from cervical tumors and matched buccal swabs were used for analyses. Six fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotide primer pairs in a multiplex PCR amplification were used to study LOH and MSI. Pearson chi-squared test for homogeneity of proportions using an exact p value, a two-proportion Z-score test, ROC curves and a logistic regression model were used for statistical analyses. All p-values were corrected for false discovery rate (FDR) using the Benjamini-Hochberg test and the adjusted p-values (q-values) were reported. All tests were significant when both p and q < 0.05.

Results: Tumor DNA from HIV-1/HPV co-infected women demonstrated a higher frequency of LOH/MSI at the HLA II locus on chromosome 6p21.21 than tumor DNA from HIV-1-seronegative women (D6S2447, 74.2 vs. 42.6%; p = 0.001, q = 0.003), D6S2881 at 6p21.31 (78.3 vs. 42.9%; p = 0.002, q = 0.004), D6S2666 at 6p21.32 (79 vs. 57.1%; p = 0.035, q = 0.052), and D6S2746, at 6p21.33 (64.3 vs. 29.4%; p < 0.001, q < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions: HPV infection alone can induce LOH/MSI at the HLA II locus in cervical tumor DNA, whereas HIV-1 co-infection exacerbates it, suggesting that this may accelerate cervical disease progression in a subgroup of HIV-1-positive women.

Cervical cancer in Tanzania: A systematic review of current challenges in six domains

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Tanzania. After excluding human immunodeficiency virus, lower respiratory infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis, cervical cancer kills more women than any other form of illness in the country. Unfortunately, Tanzania has a low doctor-to-patient ratio (1:50,000) and nearly 7000 women die each year from this disease. The clinical problem is further magnified by the country's lack of resources and prevailing poverty, sporadic cervical cancer screening, prevalence of high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus subtypes, and relatively high rates of human immunodeficiency virus co-infection. In recent years, addressing the cervical cancer problem has become a priority for the Tanzanian government. In this systematic review of 39 peer-reviewed publications that appeared in the PubMed/MEDLINE (NCBI) database from 2013 to 2018, we synthesize the growing body of literature to capture current trends in Tanzania's evolving cervical cancer landscape. Six domains were identified, including risk factors, primary prevention, barriers to screening, treatment, healthcare worker education, and sustainability. In addition to traditional risk factors associated with sexual behavior, acetowhite changes observed during visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid, lower education, rural setting, and HIV positivity also have a noteworthy clinical impact.

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Class II -DRB1 and -DQB1 Alleles and the Association with Cervical Cancer in HIV/HPV Co-Infected Women in South Africa

Background: A subset of women who are co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV), progress rapidly to invasive cervical cancer regardless of antiretroviral therapy (ART) or immune status. We posit that HIV/HPV co-infection along with specific host HLA II -DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles play a major role in cervical cancer development.

Methodology: We conducted a hospital-based genetic susceptibility case-control study in Cape Town, South Africa. We recruited 256 women of the same race, from which a total of 624 HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 class II genotypes were studied. We characterized HLA II candidate genes using PCR based, Luminex intermediate resolution genotyping and confirmed significant associated genotypes at four-digit resolution by high resolution gel typing. We analyzed 160 alleles from cancer, 64 alleles from pre-cancer and 400 alleles from healthy control women. Whole blood was used for HIV antibody test and HLA II typing. Cervical tumor tissue biopsies were used for HPV genotyping. Tests were statistically significant if p<0.05.

Results: Women who were co-infected with HIV/HPV had advanced cervical disease compared to women who were HIV negative. HLA class II -DQB1*03:01 and -DQB1*06:02 alleles were associated with cervical cancer in HIV/HPV co-infected women (p=0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively) while HLA class II -DRB1*13:01 and -DQB1*03:19 were rare or absent in women with cervical disease when compared to the control population (p=0.012 and 0.011, respectively).

Conclusion: We describe associations between HLA class II genotypes with cervical cancer, or likely protection from cervical cancer disease in HIV/HPV co-infected South African women. Identifying mechanisms that give rise to this likely protective HLA association will provide insight into development of immune-based prevention measures.