Association between human papillomavirus infection, anal premalignant lesions and human immunodeficiency virus:: prospective study in individuals with anal warts

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk for anal premalignant lesions associated to human papillomavirus infection (HPV), The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of HPV and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in patients with anal warts, with and without anti-HIV antibodies. PATENTS AND METHODS: HPV Was identified using in situ hybridization and SIL was classified in high and low grade. RESULTS: HPV infection was more frequent in anti-HIV positive patients although the difference was not statistically significant. All patients with a high grade SIL were anti-HIV positive (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HIV infection was associated with a high rate of high-grade SIL.