[Genital warts in HIV-infected individuals]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Anogenital warts (condylomata acuminata) are significantly more prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals.
• Warts in HIV-positive patients exhibit distinct characteristics, including wider spread, unusual anatomical locations, a different human papillomavirus (HPV) spectrum, increased recurrence, and a higher risk of malignant transformation.
• High-grade dysplasia is found in 18-56% of anogenital warts in HIV-infected patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the unique clinical behavior and risks associated with anogenital warts in HIV-infected individuals.
• To emphasize the importance of specific treatment and diagnostic approaches for this patient group.
• To discuss the potential impact of prophylactic HPV vaccination.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of anogenital wart characteristics between HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals.
• Review of recurrence rates, anatomical distribution, and HPV-type spectrum.
• Assessment of the prevalence of high-grade dysplasia and malignant transformation risk.

Main Results:

• HIV-positive patients present with more extensive and recurrent anogenital warts.
• A higher incidence of dysplasia and malignant transformation is observed in HIV-infected individuals.
• Specific HPV types may be more prevalent in this population.

Conclusions:

• Anogenital warts in HIV-infected patients require preferential treatment with ablative methods and mandatory histopathological evaluation.
• Gender-neutral prophylactic HPV vaccination holds promise for future reduction of anogenital warts in this vulnerable group.
• Close monitoring and tailored management are crucial for HIV-positive individuals with anogenital warts.