Anal Cytological Lesions and HPV Infection in Individuals at Increased Risk for Anal Cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anal cytology may be useful for evaluating lesions associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) in individuals at increased risk for anal cancer. METHODS: Liquid-based cytology was used to assess anal cytological lesions among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected and HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM). The Linear Array HPV genotyping test was used for HPV detection. RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 1021 MSM, of whom 388 were HIV-infected (38.0%). Anal cytological lesions (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or more severe [ASCUS+]) were observed in 32.5% and 53.2% of the HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected individuals, respectively (P