High prevalence of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive men despite the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the natural history of HPV infection and anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) is poorly documented. GOAL The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anal HPV infection and SIL inpatients under HAART.

Study design: Forty-five HIV-infected protease inhibitor-experienced MSM were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Each patient provided anal samples for anal cytology, histology, and human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing.

Results: The patients had previously received HAART for a median of 32 months. Anal cytology was abnormal in 32 of 45 (71%) patients, including high-grade SIL in 10 patients (22%), low-grade SIL in 19 patients (42%), and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in 3 patients (7%). HPV DNA was detected 36/45 men (80%). The prevalence of anal SIL and HPV infection were similar in patients exhibiting a significant increase in CD4+ cell count after HAART initiation compared with those who did not.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a high prevalence of anal SIL, including high-grade SIL, and anal HPV infection in HIV-infected MSM despite immune restoration under HAART.