The prevalence of human papillomavirus and cervical cytology abnormalities in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Southern Israel

Lilach Leibenson*, Shirly Banani, Avraham Borer, Mihai Meirovitz, Yonat Shemer Avni, Doron Singer, Francisc Schlaeffer, Max Leibenson, Tali Silberstein, Arnon Wiznitzer, Klaris Riesenberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases both HPV persistence and the risk of invasive cervical cancer. An estimation of HPV prevalence among HIV-positive women in Israel would contribute to improving care for this population and preventing morbidity and mortality related to cervical cancer. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HPV infection and cervical cytology abnormalities, and to assess the possible influence of HIV infection on HPV carriage in HIVpositive women attending the Infectious Disease Clinic at Soroka University Medical Center. Methods: The study population included 84 HIV-seropositive women. They were examined by a gynecologist and screened for HPV genotyping, and Pap smears were obtained for cervical cytology. Demographic, behavioral, and HIV infection variables were also recorded and analyzed. Results: Forty-nine (58.3%) of the study participants were HPV-positive; 34 of them had oncogenic genotypes. Young age (< 16 years) at first sexual intercourse was the only variable significantly associated with HPV infection (P < 0.05). Abnormal cervical cytology was present in 17 women (20.3%); 21 women were referred to colposcopy, which was abnormal in 9 (10.7%). Conclusions: The prevalence of HPV carriage among HIVpositive woman in our study was slightly higher than published elsewhere. The prevalence of pathological cervical cytology was much higher than in the general population. An extremely high prevalence of pathological colposcopies requiring further treatment was found. Screening for HPV and premalignant changes in the uterine cervix is highly recommended in the HIV-seropositive population. We suggest that colposcopy be considered part of the routine workup in HIV-seropositive woman.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)34-38
Number of pages5
JournalIsrael Medical Association Journal
Volume13
Issue number1
StatePublished - Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cervical cytology abnormalities
  • Colposcopy
  • HPV genotypes
  • Human immunodeficiency virus
  • Human papillomavirus

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