The effects of bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on high-risk anogenital HPV infection among sexually active female adolescents with and without perinatally acquired HIV.

BACKGROUND: Females with perinatal HIV (PHIV) infection are at elevated risk for anogenital high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Limited data are available around the effect of the HPV vaccination after initiation of sexual activity among PHIV youth. This study aims to assess the impact of a bivalent HPV vaccination on the persistence of anogenital HR-HPV among sexually active female PHIV youth and matched HIV-negative controls aged 12-24years in Thailand and Vietnam. METHODS: During a 3-year study, prevalent, incident, and persistent HR-HPV infection were assessed at annual visits. A subset of participants received a bivalent HPV vaccine. Samples were taken for HPV testing from the vagina, cervix, and anus. HR-HPV persistence was defined as the detection of the same genotype(s) at any anogenital compartment over≥two consecutive visits. RESULTS: Of the 93 PHIV and 99 HIV-negative female youth enrolled in this study, 25 (27%) PHIV and 22 (22%) HIV-negative youth received a HPV vaccine. Persistent infection with any HR-HPV type was significantly lower among PHIV youth who received the vaccine compared to those who did not (33%vs 61%, P =0.02); a difference was not observed among HIV-negative youth (35%vs 50%, P =0.82). PHIV infection (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.45-3.67) and not receiving a HPV vaccine (aPR, 1.19, 95%CI 1.06-1.33) were associated with persistent anogenital HR-HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Bivalent HPV vaccination after initiation of sexual activity was associated with reduced persistence of anogenital HR-HPV infection in Southeast Asian PHIV female youth, which may be related to vaccine cross-protection. Primary and catch-up HPV vaccinations should be prioritised for children and youth with HIV.

Clinical Diagnosis and Early Medical Management for Endometriosis: Consensus from Asian Expert Group.

This work provides consensus guidance regarding clinical diagnosis and early medical management of endometriosis within Asia. Clinicians with expertise in endometriosis critically evaluated available evidence on clinical diagnosis and early medical management and their applicability to current clinical practices. Clinical diagnosis should focus on symptom recognition, which can be presumed to be endometriosis without laparoscopic confirmation. Transvaginal sonography can be appropriate for diagnosing pelvic endometriosis in select patients. For early empiric treatment, management of women with clinical presentation suggestive of endometriosis should be individualized and consider presentation and therapeutic need. Medical treatment is recommended to reduce endometriosis-associated pelvic pain for patients with no immediate pregnancy desires. Hormonal treatment can be considered for pelvic pain with a clinical endometriosis diagnosis; progestins are a first-line management option for early medical treatment, with oral progestin-based therapies generally a better option compared with combined oral contraceptives because of their safety profile. Dienogest can be used long-term if needed and a larger evidence base supports dienogest use compared with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) as first-line medical therapy. GnRHa may be considered for first-line therapy in some specific situations or as short-term therapy before dienogest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as add-on therapy for endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.

Thai Interest Group for Endometriosis (TIGE) consensus statement on endometriosis-associated pain.

This consensus statement has been developed by the Thai Interest Group for Endometriosis (TIGE) for use by Thai clinicians in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. TIGE is a group of clinical and academic gynaecologists with a particular interest in endometriosis. Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent inflammatory disease which causes chronic symptoms such as dysmenorrhoea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and subfertility, and it is common in reproductive-age women. There is limited overall data on its prevalence in different clinical settings in Thailand, but it is clear that the disease causes significant problems for patients in terms of their working lives, fertility, and quality of life, as well as placing a great burden on national healthcare resources. Decisions about selecting the appropriate treatment for women with endometriosis depend on many factors including the age of the patient, the extent and severity of disease, concomitant conditions, economic status, patient preference, access to medication, and fertility need. Several hormonal treatments are available but no consensus has been reached about the best option for long-term prevention of recurrence. Bearing in mind differences in environment, genetics, and access to the healthcare system, this treatment guideline has been tailored to the particular circumstances of Thai women.

Increased Burden of Concordant and Sequential Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Infections Among Asian Young Adult Women With Perinatally Acquired HIV Compared With HIV-Negative Peers.

BACKGROUND: Youth with perinatally acquired HIV (YPHIV) are at higher risk for anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. METHODS: We enrolled a cohort of YPHIV and HIV-negative youth in Thailand and Vietnam, matched by age and lifetime sex partners, and followed them up for 144 weeks (to 2017). Participants had annual pelvic examinations with samples taken for HPV genotyping. Concordant infection was simultaneous HPV detection in multiple anogenital compartments (cervical, vaginal, anal); sequential infection was when the same type was found in successive compartments (cervicovaginal to/from anal). Generalized estimating equations were used to assess factors associated with concordant infection, and Cox regression was used to assess factors associated with sequential infection. RESULTS: A total of 93 YPHIV and 99 HIV-negative women were enrolled, with a median age of 19 years (interquartile range, 18-20 years). High-risk anogenital HPV infection was ever detected in 76 (82%) YPHIV and 66 (67%) HIV-negative youth during follow-up. Concordant anogenital high-risk HPV infection was found in 62 (66%) YPHIV versus 44 (34%) HIV-negative youth. Sequential cervicovaginal to anal high-risk HPV infection occurred in 20 YPHIV versus 5 HIV-negative youth, with an incidence rate of 9.76 (6.30-15.13) versus 2.24 (0.93-5.38) per 100 person-years. Anal to cervicovaginal infection occurred in 4 YPHIV versus 0 HIV-negative women, with an incidence rate of 1.78 (0.67-4.75) per 100 person-years. Perinatally acquired HIV was the one factor independently associated with both concordant and sequential high-risk HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV should be prioritized for HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer screening should be part of routine HIV care for sexually active YPHIV.

Incidence, Persistence, and Factors Associated With HPV Infection Among Male Adolescents With and Without Perinatally Acquired HIV Infection.

BACKGROUND: Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) has been shown to be more prevalent and persistent in female adolescents with HIV. However, data among male adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) are limited. SETTING: We investigated the incidence and persistence of HR-HPV in anogenital compartments and associated factors among PHIV in comparison to HIV-uninfected (HU) male adolescents in Thailand. METHODS: PHIV and HU males aged 12-24 years were enrolled. At baseline and 3 subsequent annual visits, specimens from the scrotum, penis, and anal area were obtained for HPV and other testing. RESULTS: From June 2013 to October 2017, 49 PHIV and 47 HU male adolescents with a median age of 18 (interquartile range 17-20) years were enrolled. PHIV had higher incidence of any HR-HPV infection than HU adolescents {33.05 [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.82 to 52.46] vs. 15.73 [95% CI: 8.18 to 30.22] per 100 person-years, P = 0.04}. The persistence of any HR-HPV genotypes (detected at ≥2 annual visits) was not different by group (PHIV 27% vs. HU 23%, P = 0.75). Having ≥3 sex partners in past 6 months (adjusted prevalence ratio 2.39, 95% CI: 1.14 to 5.05; P = 0.02) and co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, chlamydia, and/or gonorrhea) were associated with persistent HR-HPV infection (adjusted prevalence ratio 6.21, 95% CI: 2.87 to 13.41; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thai PHIV male adolescents had a higher incidence of HR-HPV infection than those without HIV. Having multiple sex partners and co-infection with sexually transmitted infections was associated with persistent HR-HPV infection. These data demonstrate the need to prioritize PHIV male adolescents in routine and catch-up HPV vaccination programs.

Prevalence of High-risk Nonavalent Vaccine-type Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Unvaccinated, Sexually Active Asian Female Adolescents With and Without Perinatally Acquired HIV Infection.

BACKGROUND: We studied the prevalence of 7, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types in the nonavalent vaccine (HRVT-7: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) among vaccine-naïve, sexually active Asian female adolescents with and without perinatally acquired HIV infection (PHIV). METHODS: PHIV female adolescents 12-24 years of age and HIV-uninfected controls matched by age and number of lifetime sex partners were enrolled in a 3-year observational cohort study in Thailand and Vietnam. Samples from the oral cavity, anus, cervix and vagina were collected for HRVT-7 HPV genotyping, and serum collected for HPV 16 and 18 antibody testing. Baseline data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 93 PHIV (median CD4 593 cells/mm, 62% with HIV RNA suppression) and 99 HIV-uninfected adolescents (median lifetime sex partners 2). The overall prevalence of HRVT-7 infection was 53% in PHIV and 49% in HIV-uninfected adolescents (P = 0.66). Cervical HRVT-7 DNA was detected more frequently in PHIV than HIV-uninfected adolescents (37% vs. 23%, P = 0.04). Overall, more lifetime partners [≥3 vs. 1; odds ratio (OR) 2.99 (1.38-6.51), P = 0.02] and having other sexually transmitted infections [OR 3.30 (1.51-7.21), P = 0.003] increased the risk of HRVT-7 infection and/or positive HPV 16/18 antibodies; while detectable HIV RNA [OR 2.78 (1.05-7.36), P = 0.04] increased the risk among PHIV adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Half of sexually active Asian female adolescents, regardless of HIV infection, had already acquired HRVT-7 infection. This underscores the need for earlier access to HPV vaccine in the region.

Incidence and Persistence of High-risk Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Female Youth With and Without Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodefiency Virus Infection: A 3-year Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Female youth with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) may be at higher risk than uninfected youth for persistent anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, due to prolonged immunodeficiency. METHODS: A 3-year cohort study was conducted between 2013 and 2017 among Thai and Vietnamese PHIV and HIV-uninfected females 12-24 years, matched by age group and number of lifetime sexual partners. For HPV genotyping, cervical and anal samples were obtained at baseline and annually. Vaginal samples were collected at baseline and every 6 months. Factors associated with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) persistence and incidence were assessed. RESULTS: We enrolled 93 PHIV and 99 HIV-uninfected females. Median age was 19 (interquartile range [IQR] 18-20) years. For the 7 HR-HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) in the nonavalent HPV vaccine, PHIV had significantly higher incidence (P = .03) and persistence (P = .01) than HIV-uninfected youth over a 3-year period. Having HIV (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.9) and ever using illegal substances (aHR 4.8, 95% CI 1.8-13.0) were associated with incident 7 HR-HPV infections. HIV-positive status (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.2), recent alcohol use (aPR 1.75, 95% CI 1.2-2.5), and higher number of lifetime partners (aPR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-3.1, for 3-5 partners; aPR 1.93, 95% CI 1.2-3.2, for ≥6 partners) were significantly associated with persistent 7 HR-HPV infections. CONCLUSIONS: Female PHIV were at higher risk of having anogenital HR-HPV acquisition and persistence. Primary and secondary prevention programs for HPV infection and HPV-related diseases should be prioritized for PHIV children and youth.

Risk Factors for Human Papillomavirus Infection and Abnormal Cervical Cytology Among Perinatally Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected and Uninfected Asian Youth.

Background: Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) may be higher in perinatally human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected (PHIV) than HIV-uninfected (HU) adolescents because of long-standing immune deficiency. Methods: PHIV and HU females aged 12-24 years in Thailand and Vietnam were matched by age group and lifetime sexual partners. At enrollment, blood, cervical, vaginal, anal, and oral samples were obtained for HPV-related testing. The Wilcoxon and Fisher exact tests were used for univariate and logistic regression for multivariate analyses. Results: Ninety-three PHIV and 99 HU adolescents (median age 19 [18-20] years) were enrolled (June 2013-July 2015). Among PHIV, 94% were currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, median CD4 count was 593 (392-808) cells/mm3, and 62% had a viral load <40 copies/mL. Across anogenital compartments, PHIV had higher rates of any HPV detected (80% vs 60%; P = .003) and any HR-HPV (60% vs 43%, P = .02). Higher proportions of PHIV had abnormal Pap smears (eg, atypical squamous cells of unknown significance [ASC-US], 12% vs 14%; low-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplastic lesions, 19% vs 1%). After adjusting for ever being pregnant and asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STI) at enrollment, PHIV were more likely to have HR-HPV than HU (odds ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.77; P = .03). Conclusions: Perinatal HIV infection was associated with a higher risk of HR-HPV and abnormal cervical cytology. Our results underscore the need for HPV vaccination for PHIV adolescents and for prevention and screening programs for HPV and other STIs.

Safety and caregiver satisfaction associated with laparoscopic hysterectomy among young patients with intellectual disability.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of laparoscopic hysterectomy for young patients with intellectual disability and the postoperative satisfaction levels of their caregivers. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients with intellectual disability who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy at a center in Thailand between January 5, 2004, and August 31, 2010. Information was retrieved about preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. Caregiver satisfaction levels were assessed 3 months after surgery using a Likert-type scale. RESULTS: The mean age of the 74 included patients was 14.9±4.2 years. The cause of intellectual disability was unknown for 30 patients (41%); 22 (30%) had Down syndrome. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed among 66 (89%) patients. No major operative complications were noted. Overall, 72 (97%) caregivers were extremely satisfied with the surgical outcome; the remaining 2 (3%) reported being very satisfied. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hysterectomy was safe and had good outcomes among patients with intellectual disability. This procedure might be a feasible option to induce therapeutic amenorrhea among young patients with intellectual disability, especially in countries with limited resources.

Number of external anogenital warts is associated with the occurrence of abnormal cervical cytology.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital warts (AGWs) are common results of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, which are non-oncogenic types, account for 90% of the clinical manifestations. Although the quadrivalent HPV vaccine has been launched, AGW remains prevalent in some countries and shows association with abnormal cervical cytology. OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or worse; LSIL+) in immunocompetent Thai women newly presenting with external AGWs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical charts of all women attending Siriraj STI clinic during 2007-2011 were reviewed. Only women presenting with external AGWs who were not immunocompromised (pregnant, human immunodeficiency virus positive or being on immunosuppressant drugs) and had not been diagnosed with cervical cancer were included into the study. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the association between the characteristics of the patients and those of AGWs and LSIL+. RESULTS: A total of 191 women were eligible, with a mean age of 27.0±8.9 years; and a mean body mass index of 20.6±8.9 kg/m2. Half of them finished university. The most common type of AGWs was exophytic (80.1%). The posterior fourchette appeared to be the most common affected site of the warts (31.9%), followed by labia minora (26.6%) and mons pubis (19.9%). The median number of lesions was 3 (range 1-20). Around 40% of them had recurrent warts within 6 months after completing the treatment. The prevalence of LSIL+ at the first visit was 16.3% (LSIL 12.6%, ASC-H 1.1%, HSIL 2.6%). After adjusting for age, parity and miscarriage, number of warts ≥ 5 was the only factor associated with LSIL+ (aOR 2.65, 95%CI 1.11-6.29, p 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: LSIL+ is prevalent among immunocompetent Thai women presenting with external AGWs, especially those with multiple lesions.

Sexually transmitted infections among HIV-infected women in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Data on sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevalence among HIV-infected women in Thailand are limited. We studied, among HIV-infected women, prevalence of STI symptoms and signs; prevalence and correlates of having any STI; prevalence and correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) among women without CT and/or GC symptoms or signs; and number of women without CT and/or GC symptoms or signs needed to screen (NNS) to detect one woman with CT and/or GC overall, among pregnant women, and among women ≤25 years. METHODS: During October 2004-September 2006, HIV-infected women at 3 obstetrics and gynecology clinics were asked about sexual behaviors and STI symptoms, physically examined, and screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify correlates of infections. NNS was calculated using standard methods. RESULTS: Among 1,124 women, 526 (47.0%) had STI symptoms or signs, 469 (41.7%) had CT and/or GC symptoms or signs, and 133 (11.8%) had an STI. Correlates of having an STI included pregnancy and having STI signs. Among 469 women and 655 women with vs. without CT and/or GC symptoms or signs, respectively, 43 (9.2%) vs. 31 (4.7%), 2 (0.4%) vs. 9 (1.4%), and 45 (9.6%) vs. 38 (5.8%) had CT, GC, or "CT or GC", respectively; correlates included receiving care at university hospitals and having sex with a casual partner within 3 months. NNS for women overall and women ≤25 years old were 18 (95% CI, 13-25) and 11 (95% CI, 6-23), respectively; and for pregnant and non-pregnant women, 8 (95% CI, 4-24) and 19 (95% CI, 14-27), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: STI prevalence among HIV-infected women, including CT and GC among those without symptoms or signs, was substantial. Screening for CT and GC, particularly for pregnant women, should be considered.

Prevalence and cumulative incidence of abnormal cervical cytology among HIV-infected Thai women: a 5.5-year retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most common AIDS-related malignancies in Thailand. To prevent cervical cancer, The US Public Health Service and The Infectious Disease Society of America have recommended that all HIV-infected women should obtain 2 Pap smears 6 months apart after the initial HIV diagnosis and, if results of both are normal, should undergo annual cytological screening. However, there has been no evidence in supporting whether this guideline is appropriate in all settings - especially in areas where HIV-infected women are living in resource-constrained condition. METHODS: To determine the appropriate interval of Pap smear screenings for HIV-infected Thai women and risk factors for subsequent abnormal cervical cytology, we assessed the prevalence, cumulative incidence and associated factors of cervical cell abnormalities (atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance or higher grades, ASCUS+) among this group of patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of ASCUS+ was 15.4% at the first visit, and the cumulative incidence of ASCUS+ gradually increased to 37% in the first 3.5 years of follow-up appointments (first 7 times), and tended to plateau in the last 2 years. For multivariate correlation analysis, women with a CD4 count <350 cells/µL had a significant correlation with ASCUS+ (P = 0.043). There were no associations of subsequent ASCUS+ with age, pregnancy, contraceptive method, highly active anti-retroviral treatment, assumed duration of infection, or the CD4 count nadir level. CONCLUSION: There are high prevalence and cumulative incidence of ASCUS+ in HIV-infected Thai women. With a high lost-to-follow-up rate, an appropriate interval of Pap smear screening cannot be concluded from the present study. Nevertheless, the HIV-infected Thai women may require more than two normal semi-annual Pap smears before shifting to routinely annual cytologic screening.

Current therapy for condyloma acuminata of the patients attending female STD Unit, Siriraj Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment pattern of condyloma acuminata in female. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The 5-year medical records of 449 women treated for genital condyloma acuminata at the Gynecologic Infectious Diseases and Female Sexually Transmitted Disease (GID-FSTD) unit were reviewed. Data included the distribution of age, client by category, anatomical site and size, serologically coexisting sexually transmitted infection (STI), and treatment modalities. RESULTS: About half, 50.1%, of treatment was the application of topical trichloroacetic acid; followed by podophylline in the proportion of 35.5%. While the electric cauterization and imiquimod applications were uncommon therapy. Two-fifth ofthe subjects, 40.7%, was completely cured, and the remaining cases required additional management. CONCLUSION: The present setting, the wide range of treatment available is reflection of the fact that there is no ideal management.

Antiretroviral resistance patterns and HIV-1 subtype in mother-infant pairs after the administration of combination short-course zidovudine plus single-dose nevirapine for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) recommend administration of zidovudine and single-dose nevirapine (NVP) for HIV-1-infected women who are not receiving treatment for their own health or if complex regimens are not available. This study assessed antiretroviral resistance patterns among HIV-infected women and infants receiving single-dose NVP in Thailand, where the predominant circulating HIV-1 strains are CRF01_AE recombinants and where the minority are subtype B. METHODS: Venous blood samples were obtained from (1) HIV-infected women who received zidovudine from 34 weeks' gestation and single-dose NVP plus oral zidovudine during labor and (2) HIV-infected infants who received single-dose NVP after birth plus zidovudine for 4 weeks after delivery. HIV-1 drug resistance testing was performed using the TruGene assay (Bayer HealthCare). RESULTS: Most mothers and infants were infected with CRF01_AE. NVP resistance was detected in 34 (18%) of 190 women and 2 (20%) of 10 infants. There was a significantly higher proportion of NVP mutations in women with delivery viral loads of >50,000 copies/mL (adjusted odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-32.8, P = .002 for linear trend) and in those with subtype B rather than CRF01_AE infections (38% vs. 16%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-11.8; P = .038). CONCLUSIONS: The lower frequency of NVP mutations among mothers infected with subtype CRF01_AE, compared with mothers infected with subtype B, suggests that individuals infected with subtype CRF01_AE may be less susceptible to the induction of NVP resistance than are individuals infected with subtype B.

Two different treatment regimens in women with preterm contractions who were admitted to a hospital due to a presumptive diagnosis of preterm labor: an observational study.

AIM: To determine the effect of adherence to a set of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the management of preterm contractions on health-care resource consumption and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care university hospital from January 2003 to December 2004. Comparisons were made between the cases receiving treatment according to the CPG (CPG group) and those receiving treatment deviating from the CPG (non-CPG group). RESULTS: There were 203 patients with preterm contractions. Compared with the CPG group, the non-CPG group had a higher rate of both tocolytic and steroid use, a longer maternal hospital stay, and a lower neonatal birthweight. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to CPG in patients with preterm contractions at 28(+0)-36(+6) weeks' gestation consumes fewer health-care resources without compromising pregnancy outcomes.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Thai pregnant women with preterm labor in Siriraj hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women with preterm labor in Siriraj hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 158 pregnant women with suspected preterm labor was performed between January and July 2005. The subjects enrolled in the present study were between 28+0 and 36+6 menstrual weeks. BV blue test was performed on the vaginal fluid collected from lower one- third of vagina. RESULTS: The prevalence of BV in women in the preterm labor group was 25.8% compared to 14.1% in the preterm contraction group (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Compared with preterm contractions a higher prevalence of BV was found in the pregnant women with preterm labor. Given that a quarter of pregnant women with preterm labor tested positive for BV, it might be appropriate to perform this test in the triage setting.

High prevalence of cervical squamous cell abnormalities among HIV-infected women with immunological AIDS-defining illnesses.

AIM: To assess the results of Pap smear at postpartum scheduled visit, especially the prevalence of squamous cell abnormalities including association with CD4(+) T-lymphocyte count (CD4(+) count) levels at delivery among HIV-infected women between the years 1996 and 2004. METHODS: As part of the research and implementation programs of short course antiretroviral regimens for the prevention of mother to child perinatal HIV transmission in HIV-infected pregnant women delivered at Siriraj hospital, CD4(+) count at delivery and Pap smear at postpartum were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 636 women, 13.3% had squamous cell abnormalities. Seventy-seven cases (90.6%) of squamous cell abnormalities were low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. The prevalence of squamous epithelial cell abnormalities detected by Pap smear, was higher in women whose CD4(+) count at delivery was < 200 cells/microL than in women whose CD4(+) count at delivery was > or = 200 cells/microL, with a significant difference (21.2%vs 12.2%). CONCLUSIONS: All HIV-infected pregnant women should be evaluated for clinical and immunological status during the antepartum period. Pelvic examination and Pap smear should be considered as a part of this evaluation. They should receive comprehensive health-care services that continue after pregnancy, including postpartum gynecologic examination and Pap smear. Women with normal cervical cytological findings but low CD4(+) count should be offered an antenatal Pap smear and long-term follow-up including a 6-monthly Pap smear.

Increased HIV-DNA load in CCR5-negative lymphocytes without viral phenotypic change.

We have previously described a selective increase in HIV-DNA content in CCR5-negative lymphocytes from late stage HIV-infected patients. Here, we show that this increase occurred even in the absence of viral phenotypic switching from CCR5- to CXCR4-tropic. This leads us to hypothesize that early and late CCR5-tropic viruses might be different in the ability to infect CCR5-low or -negative cells. We compared a set of early CCR5-tropic viruses with low viral DNA content in CCR5-negative cells to a set of late CCR5-tropic viruses with high viral DNA content in CCR5-negative cells. We could not find any significant differences between the two sets of viruses in the aspects of relative infectivity in CCR5-low cells and the level of inhibition by beta-chemokine. This suggested that there may be some changes in cellular phenotype or environment that allows an expansion of susceptible cell population in late stages HIV infection. Understanding these changes may provide a novel approach for HIV therapy.

Associated risk factors of human papillomavirus cervical infection among human immunodificiency virus-seropositive women at Siriraj Hospital.

This cross sectional type sub-study was established to assess the potential risk factor associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infection in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive women. The series of 178 HIV-seropositive women was enrolled in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital. Demographic, obstetrical and behavioral risk factors were interviewed. Laboratory results were recorded. Clinical gynecologic examination was performed including Pap smear. The patients were assigned into two groups, HPV and non-HPV group. The comparison of the potential risk factors between the groups was calculated statistically. It was found that the prevalence of HPV infection was reported in 17 patients (9.6%). HIV-seropositive women, who were infected with HPV, had a significantly more probability to have a single partner in their lifetime than those who were not infected. It could be that HPV cervical infection and HIV-seropositive women share common potential risk factors, as well as, the recognition of sexual intercourse as the important route of HPV transmission.