High prevalence of cervical squamous cell abnormalities among HIV‐infected women with immunological AIDS‐defining illnesses^†

Abstract

All HIV-infected pregnant women should be evaluated for clinical and immunological status during the antepartum period. Pelvic examination and Pap smear should be considered as a part of this evaluation. They should receive comprehensive health-care services that continue after pregnancy, including postpartum gynecologic examination and Pap smear. Women with normal cervical cytological findings but low CD4(+) count should be offered an antenatal Pap smear and long-term follow-up including a 6-monthly Pap smear.