Prevalence and predictors of colposcopic-histopathologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women in India

Prevalence and Determinants of Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) among Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Mumbai, India

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among women predisposes them to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the causative agent for cervical cancer. The study retrospectively analyzed the data of 291 women living with HIV AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) to assess the prevalence and determinants of the HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The study found a high prevalence of cervical HPV infection (34.4%), CIN I (6.2%), and CIN II+ (8.6%). Participants with HPV DNA positivity are significantly more likely to be aged younger than 35 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–2.69), housewives (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.31–3.99), married at <20 years of age (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.13–3.58), and have been pregnant more than two times (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.08–2.87). Participants with CIN II+ are significantly more likely to be not married (OR = 3.363, 95% CI = 1.302–8.686). Considering the high prevalence of HPV and CIN observed among HIV women, it is worthwhile to integrate cervical cancer awareness programs and screening with routine follow-up of HIV patients at antiretroviral therapy clinic. This susceptible population needs attention to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the country.

Precancerous lesions of cervix among women infected with HIV in Referral Hospitals of Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

The risk of death from complications related to cancer of the cervix is a main health problem over the course of a woman's life in low income countries. It commonly affects women infected with HIV. Therefore, screening women infected with HIV should start in low income countries, including Ethiopia.

METHODS

We conducted an institution based cross-sectional study from September 1st, 2015 to December 30th, 2015. During the study, 435 women were included in the study. The data were collected through face to face interviews and patient chart review using pre-tested and structured questionnaires. Data was also collected through visual inspection with acetic acid applied for screening and treatment. Data was entered into Epi-info version 7, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis fitted and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were computed.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix was 20.2% (95%CI: 13%, 29%). Having more than one lifetime sexual partner (AOR=2.91, 95%CI:1.13, 7.52), a history of sexually transmitted disease (AOR=4.04, 95%CI: 2.19, 7.44), age at first birth less than 18 years (AOR=3.36, 95%CI: 1.79, 5.01) and baseline CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 (AOR=7.51, 95%CI: 3.58, 15.68) were significantly associated with pre-cancerous lesion of the cervix.

CONCLUSION

This study points out the prevalence of pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix is high. Thus, the findings recommend raising of a screening strategy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia for all women living with HIV should be undertaken. In addition, awareness creation about the impact of multiple sexual partner, promotion of early HIV diagnosis and timely baseline CD4 cell count is important.

Awareness of cervical cancer among women attending an HIV treatment centre: a cross-sectional study from Morocco

OBJECTIVE

To explore awareness about cervical cancer among Moroccan women attending an HIV treatment centre in Laâyoune city, Morocco.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2017 using a knowledge test regarding cervical cancer, its risk factors and its prevention.

SETTING

HIV treatment centre at the Hospital of Moulay Hassan Ben Elmehdi in Laâyoune city, Morocco.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and twenty-three HIV-positive women aged 19 years and older were recruited to this study.

RESULTS

A total of 115 women were eligible to participate in the study. The average age was 34.9±10.2 years. Few women (20%) had heard about cervical cancer and its screening, the majority (17.4%) having received information from mass media. The vast majority (79.1%) of respondents had no knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, and 80.8% did not know any symptoms of cervical cancer. Only 13% had undergone a Pap smear test. The main reason for not seeking Pap smear was the absence of symptoms (47%).

CONCLUSION

Our study documents poor awareness of cervical cancer. Given that the HIV-positive population is at increased risk of cervical cancer, health education programmes should be promoted to increase awareness of cervical cancer as well as access and participation in cervical cancer screening.

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.

Epidemiology of high-risk human papillomavirus and cervical lesions in African women living with HIV/AIDS: effect of anti-retroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV-related factors on high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions (CIN2+) among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in sub-Saharan Africa.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort of WLHA in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (BF) and Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). Recruitment was stratified by ART status.

METHODS

At baseline and endline (median 16 months), cervical samples, and biopsies were analyzed for HPV genotyping (InnoLiPA) and by histology. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations of ART and HIV-related factors with HR-HPV and CIN2+ outcomes, and all results presented are adjusted for baseline CD4 cell count.

RESULTS

Among 1238 enrolled WLHA (BF = 615; SA = 623), HR-HPV prevalence was 59.1% in BF and 79.1% in SA. CIN2+ prevalence was 5.8% in BF and 22.5% in SA. Compared with long-duration ART users (>2 years), HR-HPV prevalence was higher among short-duration ART users [≤2 years; adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.47] in BF, and CIN2+ prevalence was higher among short-duration ART users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.99, 95% CI 1.12-3.54) and ART-naive participants (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.11-3.17) in SA. Among 963 (77.8%) women seen at endline, HR-HPV persistence was 41.1% in BF and 30.2% in SA; CIN2+ incidence over 16-months was 1.2% in BF and 5.8% in SA. HR-HPV persistence was associated with being ART-naive in BF (aPR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.26-2.83), and with short-duration ART use (aPR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.11-2.86) and HIV-1 plasma viral load at least 1000 copies/ml (aPR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.63-5.05) in SA. CIN2+ incidence was reduced among women on ART in SA (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.15-1.01).

CONCLUSION

Prolonged and effective ART is important in controlling HR-HPV and the development of CIN2+.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection & cervical abnormalities in HIV-positive women in eastern India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

India has the third highest burden of HIV and highest number of cervical cancer in the world. A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the prevalence and types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and the factors associated with HPV infection and abnormal cervical cytology in HIV-positive women attending the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India.

METHODS

We screened 216 HIV- positive women with Papanicolau smear cytology and HPV testing. HPV DNA was detected by using consensus primers followed by sequencing.

RESULTS

Of the 216 HIV-positive women screened, 58 (26.85%) were HPV-positive; 56 (25.9%) were of high-risk (HR) HPV type. The most prevalent HPV type was HPV-16 (7.9%); non 16 and 18 HPV types were present in 17.6 per cent patients. Age ≤ 35 yr [(OR), 2.56 (1.26-5.19)], illiteracy [OR, 2.30 (1.19-4.46)], rural residence [OR, 3.99 (1.27-12.56)] and CD4 ≤ 350/µl [OR, 2.46 (1.26-4.83)] were associated with increased risk of acquisition of HPV. One hundred thirty nine (74.33%) patients had normal/ negative for intraepithelial lesions (NILM) cytology, three (1.60%) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 32 (17.11%) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 10 (5.35%) had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and three (1.60%) had carcinoma cervix. WHO clinical Stage III and IV [OR, 2.83 (1.07-7.49)] and CD4 ≤ 350/µl [OR, 2.84 (1.30-6.20)] were risk factors for abnormal cytology.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed 26.85 per cent HPV positivity in HIV infected women in this region, with HPV-16 as the commonest genotype. Abnormal cervical cytology was seen in about 25 per cent women. Regular Pap smear screening as recommended by the National AIDS Control Organization will help in early detection of cervical abnormalities in HIV- positive women.

A Study of Pap Smear in HIV-Positive Females

BACKGROUND

HIV-positive females are more likely to have abnormal Pap smears than HIV-negative women. These abnormal Pap smears are usually associated with low CD4 cell counts and human papilloma virus infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective hospital-based study from April 2013 till March 2014. A total of 250 (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) HIV-positive females were examined in Gynaecology OPD at R.C.S.M. G.M.C and C.P.R. Hospital, Kolhapur, and their cervical smears were taken. They were categorized as per modified Bethesda system 2001. The findings in HIV-positive women were correlated with risk factors (age, disease duration, CD4 count and ART use).

AIMS

To study the spectrum of cytological abnormalities on Pap smear in HIV-positive females and classify precancerous and cancerous lesions in HIV-positive females according to Bethesda system 2001 and to be familiar with terminology and morphological criteria of Bethesda system 2001. To study the association of Pap smears abnormalities among HIV-positive women with their immune status (CD4 count).

RESULTS

NILM is the commonest finding (83.2 %) which is subdivided into non-inflammatory, non-specific and specific inflammatory and atrophic smears. Candida vaginitis was the commonest cause of specific inflammatory condition accounted for (2.52 %) of all inflammatory smears. The percentage of squamous cell abnormalities was 12 %: ASCUS + ASC-H-6.22 %, LSIL-2.10 %, HSIL-3.4 % and SCC-0.8 %. The highest incidence of intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive females was in the age group 31-40 years. There is no association of Pap smear abnormalities among HIV-positive women with their immune status (CD4 count) and duration of ART.

CONCLUSION

Periodic, regular gynaecologic and Pap smear examination would help in early detection of intraepithelial lesions and their treatment so as to prevent invasive malignancy and mortality.

Cervical cytological abnormalities and human papilloma virus infection in women infected with HIV in Southern India

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the association between CD4 count, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, and the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among HIV-infected women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 HIV-infected women attending an antiretroviral therapy clinic. They underwent Pap smear and cervical HPV DNA testing.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 57.7%. HPV 16 was the commonest genotype found (38.5%); HPV 16 and 18 put together contributed to 73.3% of HPV infection; 27.5% of HIV-infected women had squamous cell abnormalities. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was less likely among women with CD4 count > 500/mm³ (12%) and in those without opportunistic infections (17.8%). The prevalence of high-risk HPV infection was higher in women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or greater lesions (85.7%) as compared to women with normal cytology (52.1%).

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women warrants the need for regular Pap smear screening in these women and routine HPV vaccination for adolescents to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in India.

HIV and cancer registry linkage identifies a substantial burden of cancers in persons with HIV in India

We utilized computerized record-linkage methods to link HIV and cancer databases with limited unique identifiers in Pune, India, to determine feasibility of linkage and obtain preliminary estimates of cancer risk in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) as compared with the general population.Records of 32,575 PLHIV were linked to 31,754 Pune Cancer Registry records (1996-2008) using a probabilistic-matching algorithm. Cancer risk was estimated by calculating standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) in the early (4-27 months after HIV registration), late (28-60 months), and overall (4-60 months) incidence periods. Cancers diagnosed prior to or within 3 months of HIV registration were considered prevalent.Of 613 linked cancers to PLHIV, 188 were prevalent, 106 early incident, and 319 late incident. Incident cancers comprised 11.5% AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs), including cervical cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but not Kaposi sarcoma (KS), and 88.5% non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). Risk for any incident cancer diagnosis in early, late, and combined periods was significantly elevated among PLHIV (SIRs: 5.6 [95% CI 4.6-6.8], 17.7 [95% CI 15.8-19.8], and 11.5 [95% CI 10-12.6], respectively). Cervical cancer risk was elevated in both incidence periods (SIRs: 9.6 [95% CI 4.8-17.2] and 22.6 [95% CI 14.3-33.9], respectively), while NHL risk was elevated only in the late incidence period (SIR: 18.0 [95% CI 9.8-30.20]). Risks for NADCs were dramatically elevated (SIR > 100) for eye-orbit, substantially (SIR > 20) for all-mouth, esophagus, breast, unspecified-leukemia, colon-rectum-anus, and other/unspecified cancers; moderately elevated (SIR > 10) for salivary gland, penis, nasopharynx, and brain-nervous system, and mildly elevated (SIR > 5) for stomach. Risks for 6 NADCs (small intestine, testis, lymphocytic leukemia, prostate, ovary, and melanoma) were not elevated and 5 cancers, including multiple myeloma not seen.Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using probabilistic record-linkage to study cancer/other comorbidities among PLHIV in India and provides preliminary population-based estimates of cancer risks in PLHIV in India. Our results, suggesting a potentially substantial burden and slightly different spectrum of cancers among PLHIV in India, support efforts to conduct multicenter linkage studies to obtain precise estimates and to monitor cancer risk in PLHIV in India.

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

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection at the cervix, anus and oropharynx has been rarely concurrently estimated among HIV-infected women. Using multiplex polymerase chain reaction testing, we prospectively evaluated HPV genotype distribution across three anatomic sites among 50 eligible HIV-infected women from Chennai, India, who provided biological specimens and answered a sexual behaviour questionnaire. We also assessed clinical and behavioural factors related to HPV prevalence. Oncogenic HPV prevalence was comparable between the anus and cervix at 52.2% and 52.0% and lower at the oropharynx at 13.2%; 78% of women with a cervical HPV infection had the same type in the anus. Newly acquired oncogenic HPV infections were lower at cervix (24%) than anus (35%) at three months. 'Any type' cervical HPV prevalence was higher among women with low education and less than five years since HIV diagnosis. CD4+ count and antiretroviral therapy status were not associated with HPV prevalence at the three anatomic sites; however, enrolment cervical HPV16 prevalence was elevated among women with nadir CD4+ <200 cells/µL and enrolment CD4+ <350 cells/µL. Regular cervical screening is essential in HIV-infected Indian women irrespective of CD4+ count and antiretroviral therapy status. Additional research clarifying the natural history of anal HPV infection is also needed in this population.

Epidemiology of cervical cancer with special focus on India

Cervical cancer is on the declining trend in India according to the population-based registries; yet it continues to be a major public health problem for women in India. Multifactorial causation, potential for prevention, and the sheer threat it poses make cervical cancer an important disease for in-depth studies, as has been attempted by this paper. This paper attempts to review the available knowledge regarding the epidemiology and pattern of cervical cancer; types of HPV (human papilloma virus) prevalent among cervical cancer patients and among women in general, high-risk groups such as commercial sex workers, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive women; and the role of the national program on cancer in control efforts. The peak age of incidence of cervical cancer is 55-59 years, and a considerable proportion of women report in the late stages of disease. Specific types of oncogenic HPV-16, 18 have been identified in patients with cervical cancer. Other epidemiological risk factors are early age at marriage, multiple sexual partners, multiple pregnancies, poor genital hygiene, malnutrition, use of oral contraceptives, and lack of awareness. A multipronged approach is necessary which can target areas of high prevalence identified by registries with a combination of behavior change communication exercises and routine early screening with VIA. Sensitizing the people of the area, including menfolk, is necessary to increase uptake levels. Vaccination against types 16 and 18 can also be undertaken after taking into confidence all stakeholders, including the parents of adolescent girls. Preventing and treating cervical cancer and reducing the burden are possible by targeting resources to the areas with high prevalence.

Knowledge, awareness and attitudes about cervical cancer among women attending or not an HIV treatment center in Lao PDR

Background

Cervical cancer is the first female cancer in Lao PDR, a low-income country with no national screening and prevention programs for this human papillomavirus (HPV) associated pathology. HIV-infected women have a higher risk of persistent oncogenic HPV infection.

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, awareness and attitudes about cervical cancer among Lao women attending or not an HIV treatment center, in order to understand if this attendance had offered an opportunity for information and prevention.

Methods

A cross-sectional case–control survey was conducted in three provinces of Lao PDR, Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet. Cases were 320 women aged 25 to 65, living with HIV and followed in an HIV treatment center. Controls were 320 women matched for age and place of residence, not attending an HIV treatment center.

Results

Cases had a greater number of sexual partners and used condoms more often than controls. Only 36.6% of women had consulted a gynecologist (47.5% among cases and 25.6% among controls, p < 0.001) and 3.9% had benefited from at least one Pap smear screening (5.6% cases and 2.2% controls, p = 0.02). The average knowledge score was 3.5 on a 0 to 13 scale, significantly higher in cases than in controls (p < 0.0001). Despite having a lower education level and economic status, the women living with HIV had a better knowledge about cervical cancer and were more aware than the controls of the risk of developing such a cancer (35.9% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.0001). The main source of information was healthcare professionals. The main reasons for not undergoing Pap smear were the absence of symptoms and the default of medical injunction for cases, the lack of information and ignorance of screening usefulness for controls.

Conclusion

In Lao PDR, routine consultation in HIV treatment centers is not enough harnessed to inform women of their high risk of developing cervical cancer, and to perform screening testing and treatment of precancerous lesions. Implementing this cost-effective strategy could be the first step toward a national prevention program for cervical cancer.

Risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women on antiretroviral treatment in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa

Background

Facing the dual burden of invasive cervical cancer and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, the identification of preventable determinants of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) in HIV-infected women is of paramount importance.

Methods

A cervical cancer screening based on visual inspection methods was proposed to HIV-infected women in care in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Positively screened women were referred for a colposcopy to a gynaecologist who performed directed biopsies.

Results

Of the 2,998 HIV-infected women enrolled, 132 (4.4%) CIN of any grade (CIN+) were identified. Women had been followed-up for a median duration of three years [IQR: 1–5] and 76% were on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Their median most recent CD4 count was 452 [IQR: 301–621] cells/mm³. In multivariate analysis, CIN+ was associated with a most recent CD4 count >350 cells/mm³ (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.6) or ≥200–350 cells/mm³ (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–1.0) (Ref: <200 cells/mm³ CD4) (p<10⁻⁴).

Conclusions

The presence of CIN+ is less common among HIV-infected women with limited or no immune deficiency. Despite the potential impact of immunological recovery on the reduction of premalignant cervical lesions through the use of ART, cervical cancer prevention, including screening and vaccination remains a priority in West Africa while ART is rolled-out.

Preventing cervical cancer globally

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer and cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. More than 85% of cases and deaths occur in the developing world where the availability of effective screening is limited. In this issue of the journal, Pierce and colleagues (beginning on page 1273) describe a novel technique using a high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) to diagnose cervical dysplasia. This perspective reviews the limitations of existing cervical cancer screening methods currently in use in low-resource settings and the potential for HRME imaging to contribute to cervical cancer prevention in the developing world.

HPV genotyping in north Indian women infected with HIV

Investigating the prevalence of high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) genotypes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women is vital to generate data for formulating guidelines for prevention/screening of cervical cancer in this vulnerable group. The study was aimed to analyze the HPV genotypes in HIV-infected women. It was a prospective, hospital-based, and cross-sectional study. HIV-infected women were enrolled from the antiretroviral clinic and controls from the gynecology outpatient. The HPV genotyping array kit was used for identifying 21 HPV genotypes. Detection of HPV was confirmed by performing an HPV type-specific polymerase chain reaction. A Pap smear was collected in all women. One hundred thirty HIV-infected women and 64 controls were enrolled. All women with low CD4 counts (n=97) were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Twenty-six (20%) HIV-infected women and 12 (18.7%) women in the control group tested positive for high-risk HPV (P=1.0). HPV 16 was the most common type, detected in 42% of HPV-positive women in the HIV-infected cohort, followed by HPV 45 (15%), HPV 18/52/31/58 (11.5% each), and HPV 33 (7.6%). The corresponding figures in the control group were as follows: HPV 16 (66.6%), HPV 45/18/31 (16.6% each), and HPV 33/58/68 (8.3% each). Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was detected in 2.3% of HIV-infected women. The prevalence of high-risk HPV in HIV-infected women (20%) was similar to the prevalence in controls (18.7%). This and the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are lower than those in previous reports. It is plausible that administration of antiretroviral therapy contributed to the reduced prevalence. The currently available vaccine would likely be beneficial to the local HIV-infected population, as nearly half the HPV-infected women harbored genotypes 16 or 18.

HPV prevalence and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among HIV-infected women in Yunnan Province, China: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of HPV and cervical neoplasia among HIV-infected women in southwestern China.

METHODS

Cervical cytology, HPV detection by Hybrid Capture-2™ assay, and diagnostic colposcopy were followed by cervical biopsy if indicated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze associations between HPV co-infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and HIV-related clinical and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

Colposcopic-histopathologically proven CIN2+ lesions were present in 7/83 (8.4%) HIV-infected women. Nearly half (41/83, 43%) were co-infected with carcinogenic HPV genotypes. HPV co-infection was higher in women with colposcopic-histopathologically proven CIN2+ lesions than women with <CIN1 after adjusting for age (OR: 8.3, 95% CI: 0.9, 73.4). Women with CD4+ cell counts less than 350 cells/μL had higher CIN2+ prevalence after adjusting for current ART status and age (adjusted OR: 6.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 36.5).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs should integrate effective cervical cancer prevention services to mitigate the risk of invasive cervical cancer among HIV-infected women in China.

HPV genotype distribution in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among HIV-infected women in Pune, India

Background

The distribution of HPV genotypes, their association with rigorously confirmed cervical precancer endpoints, and factors associated with HPV infection have not been previously documented among HIV-infected women in India. We conducted an observational study to expand this evidence base in this population at high risk of cervical cancer.

Methods

HIV-infected women (N = 278) in Pune, India underwent HPV genotyping by Linear Array assay. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) disease ascertainment was maximized by detailed assessment using cytology, colposcopy, and histopathology and a composite endpoint.

Results

CIN2+ was detected in 11.2% while CIN3 was present in 4.7% participants. HPV genotypes were present in 52.5% (146/278) and ‘carcinogenic’ HPV genotypes were present in 35.3% (98/278) HIV-infected women. ‘Possibly carcinogenic’ and ‘non/unknown carcinogenic’ HPV genotypes were present in 14.7% and 29.5% participants respectively. Multiple (≥2) HPV genotypes were present in half (50.7%) of women with HPV, while multiple ‘carcinogenic’ HPV genotypes were present in just over a quarter (27.8%) of women with ‘carcinogenic’ HPV. HPV16 was the commonest genotype, present in 12% overall, as well as in 47% and 50% in CIN2+ and CIN3 lesions with a single carcinogenic HPV infection, respectively. The carcinogenic HPV genotypes in declining order of prevalence overall included HPV 16, 56, 18, 39, 35, 51, 31, 59, 33, 58, 68, 45 and 52. Factors independently associated with ‘carcinogenic’ HPV type detection were reporting ≥2 lifetime sexual partners and having lower CD4+ count. HPV16 detection was associated with lower CD4+ cell counts and currently receiving combination antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusion

HPV16 was the most common HPV genotype, although a wide diversity and high multiplicity of HPV genotypes was observed. Type-specific attribution of carcinogenic HPV genotypes in CIN3 lesions in HIV-infected women, and etiologic significance of concurrently present non/unknown carcinogenic HPV genotypes await larger studies.

Comparison of visual inspection with acetic acid and cervical cytology to detect high-grade cervical neoplasia among HIV-infected women in India

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women in India and other developing country settings are living longer on antiretroviral therapy, yet their risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical cancer remains unabated because of lack of cost-effective and accurate secondary prevention methods. Visual inspection after application of dilute acetic acid on the cervix (VIA) has not been adequately studied against the current standard: conventional cervical cytology (Pap smears) among HIV-infected women. We evaluated 303 nonpregnant HIV-infected women in Pune, India, by simultaneous and independent screening with VIA and cervical cytology with disease ascertainment by colposcopy and histopathology. At the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) disease threshold, the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value estimates of VIA were 80, 82.6, 47.6 and 95.4% respectively, compared to 60.5, 59.6, 22.4 and 88.7% for the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or severe (ASCUS+) cutoff on cytology, 60.5, 64.6, 24.8 and 89.4% for the low-grade squamous intraepithelial cells or severe (LSIL+) cutoff on cytology and 20.9, 96.0, 50.0 and 86.3% for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or severe (HSIL+) cutoff on cytology. A similar pattern of results was found for women with the presence of carcinogenic HPV-positive CIN2+ disease, as well as for women with CD4+ cell counts <200 and <350 μL(-1) . Overall, VIA performed better than cytology in this study with biologically rigorous endpoints and without verification bias, suggesting that VIA is a practical and useful alternative or adjunctive screening test for HIV-infected women. Implementing VIA-based screening within HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome care programs may provide an easy and practical means of complementing the highly anticipated low-cost HPV-based rapid screening tests in the near future, thereby contributing to improve program effectiveness of screening.

Factors associated with colposcopy-histopathology confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among HIV-infected women from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Introduction

Despite the availability of preventive strategies (screening tests and vaccines), cervical cancer continues to impose a significant health burden in low- and medium-resourced countries. HIV-infected women are at increased risk for infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) and thus development of cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Methods

Study participants included HIV-infected women enrolling the prospective open cohort of Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IPEC/FIOCRUZ). At cohort entry, women were subjected to conventional Papanicolaou test, HPV-DNA test and colposcopy; lesions suspicious for CIN were biopsied. Histopathology report was based on directed biopsy or on specimens obtained by excision of the transformation zone or cervical conization. Poisson regression modeling was used to assess factors associated with CIN2+ diagnosis.

Results

The median age of the 366 HIV-infected women included in the study was 34 years (interquartile range: 28–41 years). The prevalence of CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3 were 20.0%, 3.5%, and 2.2%, respectively. One woman was found to have cervical cancer. The prevalence of CIN2+ was 6.0%. Factors associated with CIN2+ diagnosis in the multivariate model were age < years compared to ≥35 years (aPR  =  3.22 95%CI 1.23–8.39), current tobacco use (aPR  =  3.69 95%CI 1.54–8.78), nadir CD4 T-cell count <350 cells/mm3 when compared to ≥ 350 cells/mm3 (aPR  =  6.03 95%CI 1.50–24.3) and concomitant diagnosis of vulvar and/or vaginal intraepithelial lesion (aPR  =  2.68 95%CI 0.99–7.24).

Discussion

Increased survival through wide-spread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy might allow for the development of cervical cancer. In Brazil, limited cytology screening and gynecological care adds further complexity to the HIV-HPV co-infection problem. Integrated HIV care and cervical cancer prevention programs are needed for the prevention of cervical cancer mortality in this group of women.

Prevalence and genotype characterization of human papillomaviruses among HIV-seropositive in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

Approximately, 15-20 of 40 HPVs that infect the female genital tract confer a high-risk of invasive cancer, thus HPVs account for 95% of cervix cancers. The objectives of this study were to: (i) estimate the prevalence of HPV infection in women infected with HIV in Ouagadougou, (ii) identify potential carcinogenic HPV strains and (iii) determine whether existing HPV vaccines match the isolated strains.

METHODS

From May 2009 to April 2010, 250 HIV-infected women were included in this study. Each woman was screened for the presence of HPV and for HPV genotype using PCR/hybridization technique.

RESULTS

Of the 250 HIV-infected women, 59.6% were infected with at least one type of HPV. High-risk HPVs were identified with the following prevalence: HPV-18 (25.0%); HPV-50'S (25.5%); HPV-30'S (20.8%); HPV-16 (4.7%); HPV-45 (3.7%). Low-risk HPVs were represented by HPV-6 (5.7%) and HPV-11 (0.9%).

CONCLUSION

The issue of the study showed that the existing vaccines: Gardasil and Cervarix may be used in the country although they match only HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-6 and HPV-11. Further investigations should be continued for the establishment of vaccine that matches all genotypes circulating in the country.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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