Association between HIV infection and oncogenic HPV subtypes in cisgender women

HIV and Oncogenic HPV in Cisgender Women

Abstract

Introduction: Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) are more vulnerable to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly by high-risk oncogenic subtypes, due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated immunosuppression. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution profile of HPV subtypes in WLHA, correlating findings with CD4 levels and age group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 184 WLHA receiving care at a public referral center in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, from May 2021 to May 2022. Self-collected vaginal samples were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect HPV subtypes. Associations between HPV infection, CD4 counts, and age were assessed using the χ² test (p<0.05). Results: HPV infection was detected in 72% of the participants. Oncogenic subtypes not included in the quadrivalent vaccine were identified in 49.3% of the infected individuals, with HPV 52 and 58 being the most prevalent. A higher frequency of infection was observed in women with CD4 counts <500 cells/mm³, although no statistical association was found between CD4 levels and specific viral types. There was no significant association between age and the prevalence of major subtypes. Conclusion: WLHA shows a high prevalence of HPV, particularly high-risk subtypes not covered by the quadrivalent vaccine. The findings support expanding immunization with the nonavalent vaccine and strengthening cervical cancer screening and control strategies in this population.