Abstract:
Background: Cervical cancer, caused by Human Papillomavirus, is the second
commonest cancer among women. HIV+ women are at a higher risk of
acquiring HPV, developing pre-cervical cancer lesions (dysplasia) and cervical
cancer. Early diagnosis is key to prevention of cervical cancer but reduced
sensitivities and specificities of available screening methods pose challenges.
The role of HPV in VIA related dysplasia has not been extensively
interrogated. We sought to understand HPV infection in the context of HIV
status and its relationship to VIA dysplasia
Objectives: To compare prevalence of high risk HPV in HIV positive and HIV
negative women with and without cervical dysplasia.
Study Design: A cross sectional study design.
Setting: AMPATH/MTRH cervical cancer and prevention program clinic
located at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital provides cervical cancer
screening services for women.
Participants: Women attending cervical cancer screening clinics
Results: A total of 88 women were enrolled into the study. HR HPV prevalence
was 59.1% among HIV+ and 43.2% among HIV- women. Women below 25
years had higher HRHPV prevalence. HPV prevalence was higher in women
with higher parity. Higher HRHPV prevalence in younger women attributed to
early sexual debut. The higher prevalence of HRHPV in HIV+ women was as a
consequence of depressed immunity and greater exposure to risk factors
Conclusion: HIV+ women are more infected with HRHPV than their HIV-
counterparts. Immune system related factors which affect the interpretation of
screening tests like VIA require further investigation especially in immune
compromised individuals.
