The impact of human immunodeficiency virus on human papillomavirus transmission in heterosexually active couples

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated HPV transmission and the factors influencing it in heterosexually active couples in South Africa.

Methods: A total of 486 heterosexual couples were recruited at a health facility and returned at 6-monthly intervals. Cervical and penile HPV types were determined by Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping assay. HPV transmission was defined as the detection of a new HPV type in an individual whose partner was infected with the same type at the date of acquisition.

Results: The female-to-male HPV transmission rate was 2.80/100 person-months (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03-3.86) while the male-to-female HPV transmission rate was 1.17/100 person-months (95% CI: 0.82-1.67). HIV-positive women were found to be at higher risk of HPV infection transmitted from their male partners compared to HIV-negative women (RR (relative risk): 2.31, 95% CI: 1.08-4.92, P = 0.03). HIV-positive men with CD4 counts <350/mL had a higher risk of HPV infection transmitted from their female partners compared to HIV-positive men with CD4 counts ≥350/mL (RR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.05-9.55, P = 0.04).

Conclusions: HIV infection and low CD4 counts increase the rate of HPV acquisition from sexual partner.