[Oral HPV infection in HIV-positive persons from Corrientes, Argentina]

Oral cavity HPV infections are associated with a subgroup of cancers whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. HIV infected people are in an increased risk of contracting HPV infection and developing cancer. The present study reveals the frequency and genotypic variability of this virus in the oral cavity and its association with probable risk factors in an HIV+ population of the province of Corrientes.

Mouthwashes were taken from 133 participants. After DNA extraction, the presence of HPV was detected by nested PCR. Positive cases were typed by reverse line blot or by sequencing.

HPV was detected in 22% (29/133) of the mouthwashes. In 62% (18/29) of the positive samples, at least one high-risk genotype was detected. Participants older than 36 years (p = 0.03, aOR = 3.2, CI = 1.1-9.4) and a viral load of more than 40 copies (p = 0.04, aOR = 3.3, CI = 1.1-10.3) had higher risk of infection by any HPV genotype. In relation to the age of initiation of sexual intercourse, it was a significant parameter in the case of patients with infections by high-risk genotypes (p = 0.04, aOR = 7.2, IC = 1.6-32.3). In addition, previously unreported low-risk genotypes were observed in the oral cavity of inhabitants of the region like HPV-13 and HPV-114.

Collecting baseline epidemiological data in this type of vulnerable population helps to clarify the natural history of the virus in extragenital locations and focus on regional particularities that allow the development of health policies in accordance with the magnitude of the regional problem.