Seroprevalence and Molecular Investigation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Type-16 in HIV Positive Women in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Early and routine detection of HPV which is responsible for most cervical cancers in women infected with HIV could not only improve their prognosis but can help in reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with such populations.The HPV infections are caused by a variety of HPV types including HPV-16.This study investigated the prevalence of HPV-16 in HIV-infected women in Abakaliki, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Whole blood samples (aliquots of 10 mL) were aseptically collected from HIV-positive women (n = 100) who attended a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki, Nigeria for antiretroviral therapy and counselling.Also, 60 HIV-negative women were included as a control group.All samples were investigated by ELISA and PCR for the detection of HPV-16.Results: A high prevalence of HPV antibodies (HPV IgG) in the HIV-1 positive women was reported.It was observed that there was a significant association of HPV-16 infection with age and sexual activity among the HIV-1 infected women.The prevalence of high risk HPV-16 (8.8%) in the patientʼs blood samples was reported in HIV-positive women.Conclusion: Given the prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV antibodies reported in this study, it could be concluded that HIV-1 infection could increase the susceptibility of women to HPV-16 infection, particularly among those already living with the immunodeficiency disease (HIV-1).