Target population for the screening of human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal carcinoma precursor lesions - Results from a pilot study in HIV-infected males with sexual risk factors.

Ninety-five percent of precursor lesions -high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal intraepithelial neoplasms (AIN)- and their progression to squamous anal cancer (AC) are induced by high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) serotypes 16 and 18. Their incidence is higher particularly in HIV-infected male patients who have sex with other males (HIV-MSM) (144/100,000/patients/year).