MICROBIOLOGY

• Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus that infects stratified squamous epithelium.
• Most infections are self-limited and cleared within 2 years. Oncogenic high-risk types may persist and cause HPV-infected cells to transform into cancer cells.[2][13]
• Oncogenicity is linked to HPV persistence and immunocompromised states, i.e., HIV infection and solid organ transplantation.[12]
  • Cervical cancer is an AIDS-defining malignancy. HPV is a necessary cause of anal, cervical, and vulvovaginal squamous cell cancer.[10][19]
  • Anal cancer incidence rate estimates are highest for men-who-have-sex-with-men living with HIV at 85 cases/100,000PY.[5] In non-MSM men living with HIV, the incidence estimate is 32 cases/100,000PY. And, in MSM without HIV, the incidence estimate is 19/100,000PY.