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 HIV-associated immunosuppression. Objective: 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 RT-PCR to detect HPV subtypes. Associations between HPV infection, CD4 counts, and age were assessed using the chi-square 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 show 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.