Relationship between the risk factors for human papillomavirus infection and lower genital tract precursor lesion and cancer development in female transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the several risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its persistence and to assess the prevalence of the lower genital tract precursor lesions, cancer, and HPV infection in female transplant recipients, besides the most prevalent HPV types. METHODS: The methodology adopted was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 61 patients. RESULTS: The results indicated 10 cases (16.4%) of lesions, 54.5% of the overall prevalence of HPV infection, and HPV 16 was the most common high-risk HPV type, followed by HPV 51/53/70. A multiple logistic regression was done and hormone use presented a statistically significant association with high-risk HPV infection (P=.037). No statistically significant association was identified for the set of all factors with the lesions studied. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of HPV infection and its precursor lesions confirmed the importance of differential screening and follow-up of transplanted patients. Condom use must be encouraged. The study result also confirmed the importance of knowledge of the viral type, in order to analyze the impact of HPV immunization, particularly against HPV types that are not 16/18. The reasonable rate of other genotypes, besides the vaccine types, should be considered to evaluate vaccination strategies.