Article Abstract:
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes suppression of the immune system, which may allow infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) to occur or persist. HPV is implicated in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, that is, abnormal growth of tissue of the cervix. The relationship between HIV infection and HPV infection of the genital tract was examined in 67 women, including 48 women who used intravenous drugs, 18 who were sexual partners of HIV-infected men who used intravenous drugs, and one who developed infection with HIV after undergoing blood transfusion. The patients received a Pap smear, cervical and vaginal cells were obtained by lavage so that cellular DNA could be examined for the presence of HPV, their blood was tested for antibodies against HIV, and they were examined for other sexually transmitted diseases. Forty-nine percent (17 out of 35) of the women who were infected with HIV, as revealed by antibodies against HIV in their blood, were also infected with HPV, compared with only 25 percent (8 out of 32) of the women who were not infected with HIV. When cells from the cervix were examined, 40 percent (14 out of 35) of the women who were infected with HIV had abnormalities known as squamous intraepithelial lesions, compared with nine percent (3 out of 32) of the women who were not infected with HIV. Of the women who were infected with HIV, 50 percent (11 out of 22) of those with symptoms of HIV infection had squamous intraepithelial lesions, compared with 23 percent (3 out of 13) of those who were infected with HIV but did not have any symptoms. This study shows that HIV infection is associated with the increased incidence of HPV infection and the cellular abnormalities of the cervical cells that HPV is known to cause. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The lower rate of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among older sexually active women may be explained by an acquired immunity that develops with time and continued exposure to the virus. Researchers evaluated 439 sexually active women in inner-city New York for HPV infection. Thirty-six percent of women under the age of 25 were HPV-positive, compared to 2.8% of women aged 45 years and older. The main risk factors for HPV infection were young age, not living with a sex partner, and the number of sex partners over the previous year.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The incidence rates and risk factors associated with detection of any genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV infection with high oncogenic potential (High- risk HPV) among female drug users with or at risk for HIV infection are determined. HIV infection is independently associated with a substantial and significantly increased risk for any and for high-risk genital HPV infection and is the most important risk factor found.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: