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: The 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.