Clinical implications of the interaction between HPV and HIV infections

Abstract

HIV-related immunodeficiency has complex effects on female genital HPV, which include increased risks of infection, multiple types, persistence, reactivation and the risk to develop pre-invasive and invasive disease.

Reconstitution of immunity with anti-viral drugs improves cellular immunity, but the risk of HPV-related malignancy remains higher than background incidences and presents at younger ages. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows improved retention of immune memory through existing antibodies and T-cell clones and improves long-term outcomes.

Suggestions of a higher risk to contract HIV if there is existing genital HPV infection are supported and explained by pathophysiological cervical changes, including inflammation.

HIV–HPV interactions should influence public health decisions towards prioritising large-scale prepubertal HPV-vaccine roll-out, secondary cervical cancer prevention and early detection programmes for HIV-infected women and early initiation of ART.

This chapter will also focus on special considerations for the management of women with co-infection with these two viruses and genital HPV-related diseases.