Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2021 Aug 1;48(8):547-549.
doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001388.

Neovaginal and Anal High-Risk Human Papillomavirus DNA Among Thai Transgender Women in Gender Health Clinics

Sutira Uaamnuichai  1 , Krasean Panyakhamlerd, Ammarin Suwan, Poonpissamai Suwajo, Nittaya Phanuphak, Chai Ariyasriwatana  1 , Rena Janamnuaysook, Nipat Teeratakulpisarn, Apichai Vasuratna  1 , Nimit Taechakraichana  2
Affiliations

Neovaginal and Anal High-Risk Human Papillomavirus DNA Among Thai Transgender Women in Gender Health Clinics

Sutira Uaamnuichai et al. Sex Transm Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Although human papillomavirus (HPV)-related lesions in the neovagina of transgender women have been well documented, information on high-risk HPV (hrHPV) in the neovagina has been very limited. The objective of this study was to determine hrHPV DNA detection rate in the neovagina of transgender women.

Methods: Neovaginal and anal swab were collected in liquid-based cytology fluid from transgender women visiting Gender Health Clinic and Tangerine Community Health Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. Samples were processed for hrHPV DNA (reported as subtypes 16 and 18 or the pooled result of subtypes 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 66) by automated real-time polymerase chain reaction and for neovaginal cytology according to the Bethesda system. Demographic data and sexual history were obtained, and physical examination was conducted. HIV status was obtained from existing medical records.

Results: Samples were collected from 57 transgender women (mean age, 30.4 years [interquartile range, 8 years]). From 35 of 57 valid neovaginal samples, 8 (20%) tested positive for hrHPV DNA. From 30 of 57 valid anal samples, 6 (19.4%) tested positive for hrHPV DNA. HIV status was known for 52 transgender women, 1 of which were HIV infected; neovaginal hrHPV was invalid in that patient.

Conclusions: One of 5 transgender women visiting sexual health clinics in Bangkok was found to have hrHPV DNA in neovaginal and anal compartments. Studies are needed to look at incidence and persistence of hrHPV infection to inform anogenital precancerous and cancerous screening programs for transgender women.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest and Sources of Funding: This research was funded by the Ratchadapiseksompotch Fund, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (grant number RA61/064). The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

    1. Horbach SE, Bouman MB, Smit JM, et al. Outcome of vaginoplasty in male-to-female transgenders: A systematic review of surgical techniques. J Sex Med 2015; 12:1499–1512.
    1. Dunne EF, Nielson CM, Stone KM, et al. Prevalence of HPV infection among men: A systematic review of the literature. J Infect Dis 2006; 194:1044–1057.
    1. Gargano JW, Unger ER, Liu G, et al. Prevalence of genital human papillomavirus in males, United States, 2013–2014. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:1070–1079.
    1. Liguori G, Trombetta C, Bucci S, et al. Condylomata acuminata of the neovagina in a HIV-seropositive male-to-female transsexual. Urol Int 2004; 73:87–88.
    1. Bollo J, Balla A, Rodriguez Luppi C, et al. HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma in a neovagina after male-to-female gender confirmation surgery. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:306–308.

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources