Immunosuppression and human genital papillomavirus infection

A group of 39 patients who underwent iatrogenic immunosuppression for renal transplant were evaluated by means of colposcopic, cytologic, and histologic investigations. Evidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was found in 30.7%, more frequently in the cervix. Biopsy specimens of the most atypical areas showed the presence of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia in one case. The high incidence of HPV infection in this group suggests that immunodeficient patients should have close monitoring of the entire ano-genital tract.