High-risk human papillomavirus infection in HIV-positive African women living in Europe

Introduction: Cervical infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) induces cervical cancer and is present in 14% of women in Europe. We assessed the prevalence and incidence of cervical HRHPV in a cohort of HIV-positive women living in Belgium. Methods: Prospective observational program of screening and follow up of HRHPV cervical infection performed by Hybrid Capture in 825 HIV-positive women between 2002 and 2011. Women without normal cervix at baseline were excluded. Results: T he final analysis included 652 women: median age 38 years, African origin (81%), median HIV follow-up (66 months), median CD4 count (426 cells/µL) and 79% on antiretroviral therapy (cART). At baseline, HRHPV prevalence was 43% and decreased significantly as both age and CD4 cell count increased: highest prevalence (100%) in women 350 cells/µL. The magnitude of HRHPV epidemiology should prompt to evaluate the clinical efficacy of vaccines against HPV in HIV-infected women. Keywords: HPV; HIV; prevalence; incidence; women; Europe; CD4 cell count; cervix. (Published: 14 February 2013) Citation: Konopnicki D et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2013, 16 :18023 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/18023 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.16.1.18023