High Prevalence of Anal Human Papillomavirus Infection and Anal Cancer Precursors among HIV-Infected Persons in the Absence of Anal Intercourse

Abstract

Anal HPV infection and anal SIL may be acquired in the absence of anal intercourse in HIV-positive men. The prevalence of HSIL is high among HIV-positive injection drug users. All HIV-positive men with CD4+ cell counts less than 500 x 10(6) cells/L, regardless of history of anal intercourse, should be considered for anal cytologic screening; however, additional studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this procedure to prevent anal cancer in these populations.