HPV can cause genital warts and HPV-related cancer. People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)are more symptomatic of HPV infections. Campos dos Goytacazes, a municipality of Rio de Janeiro, introduced the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV)for HIV-positive women four years before initiating a public vaccination program. This study analyzed the prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-positive women. Researchers evaluated the variables associated with infection to groups: group 1, with Pap smear and HPV-negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR); group 2, individuals with at least one positive result for HPV in PCR or pap smear.PCR was performed in endocervical samples using generic primers, and Researchers used the LCD-Array Kit for genotyping. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. Results in 109 women showed an overall HPV prevalence of 36%.Results also showed that 88% (n = 23) and 96% (n = 25)of typed viruses were included in 4vHPV and 9vHPV,respectively.In univariate analysis, age less than 45 years, a high number of sexual partners, and HIV-viral load were risk factors for infection. However, a CD4 indicator was associated with protection. Although HIV infection is generally related to multiple and rare types of HPV, this study showed that a vast majority of the HPV types found are included in 4vHPV.Considering that age less than 45 years is a risk factor, the use of 4vHPV in Brazil should be extended in the public vaccination program to HIV seropositive women up to age 45 years

Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2020.1799666

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