Synchronous anal HPV Infection in Patients with HPV-Related Gynaecological Diseases: A Prospective Study

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Patients with human papillomavirus-related gynaecological diseases (HPV-RGD) face an increased risk of concurrent HPV infections in the anal canal.
• Understanding the prevalence and distribution of anal HPV in this demographic is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of anal HPV infection in patients previously treated for HPV-RGD.
• To analyze HPV type distribution and assess the risk of anal infection based on the specific HPV-RGD localization.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving a research group with confirmed HPV-RGD and a control group with non-HPV gynecological conditions.
• Anal canal swabs and gynecological swabs (for the research group) were collected for HPV genotyping and liquid cytology using the Anyplex II HPV HR Detection test.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of anal HPV infection was significantly higher in the HPV-RGD group (64.62%) compared to the control group (11%).
• Patients with vulva cancer and vaginal precancer showed 100% prevalence of anal HPV infection.
• HPV type 16 was the most frequently detected type in the anal canal (53.6%), often matching the type found in the gynecological region.

Conclusions:

• HIV-negative patients with HPV-RGD are at significant risk for synchronous anal HPV infections, with HPV type 16 being predominant.
• Further investigation is recommended to establish the clinical importance of these findings and consider anal cancer screening protocols for patients with HPV-RGD.