Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
[The Pap test in HIV-positive women]
M Carlucci1, A Cimmino, M G Fiore
1Dipartimento di Anatomia Patologica e Genetica, Università di Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italia. ricco@anatopat.uniba.it
Insights
HIV-infected women show a higher frequency of abnormal cervical screening (Pap) tests, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cervical dysplasia. Regular Pap testing remains crucial for early detection in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Context:
- Cervical cancer screening is vital for women's health.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with increased risks for certain cancers.
- Pap smears are a standard method for detecting cervical abnormalities.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of abnormal Papanicolau (Pap) smears in a cohort of HIV-infected women.
- To assess the rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cervical dysplasia in this population.
Summary:
- A study re-examined 162 Pap smears from 118 HIV-infected women (aged 23-55).
- Abnormalities were found in 33.3% of smears, including HPV (13.5%), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL, 8.0%), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL, 6.2%), and carcinoma (1.8%).
- HIV-infected women exhibit a higher incidence of abnormal Pap smears, particularly for HPV and cervical dysplasia.
Impact:
- Highlights the increased risk of cervical abnormalities in HIV-infected women.
- Reinforces the importance and effectiveness of routine cervical cancer screening using Pap tests in this high-risk group.
- Informs clinical management and follow-up protocols for HIV-positive women.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to estimate the frequency of abnormal Papanicolau (Pap) smears in a group of HIV-infected women undergoing cervical screening. We re-examined 162 Pap smears from 118 patients infected with HIV. The patients were aged 23-55 years. A total of 108 smears (66.6%) from 80 patients were negative; 14 smears (8.6%) from 14 patients showed inflammation; 3 smears (1.8%) from 3 patients had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS); 20 smears (13.5%) from 16 patients were abnormal for human papillomavirus (HPV); 13 smears (8.0%) from 9 patients revealed low-grade, squamous intraepithelial lesions; 10 smears (6.2%) from 7 patients were SIL-HG; the diagnosis of carcinoma was made in 3 cases (1.8%) and 2 smears from 2 patients were unsatisfactory. HIV-infected women have an increased rate of abnormal Pap smears for both HPV infections and cervical dysplasia. These results confirm the validity of cervical screening by Pap test.
