Papillomavirus infection in the conjunctiva of individuals with and without AIDS: An autopsy series from Uganda

Abstract

HIV and genus beta human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva (SCC). To determine whether conjunctival HPV infection is associated with AIDS, we analysed 136 lesion-free eye biopsies and tested for genera alpha, beta and gamma HPV types. Only infections with genera beta and gamma HPV types was found. After adjustment for age and gender, no excess of genera beta or gamma HPV infection was found in individuals who had died of or with AIDS compared to those who had died of other infectious diseases [relative risk (RR)=1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4–4.8], or chronic diseases or trauma (RR=0.9; 95% CI: 0.3–2.9). Our findings suggest that infection with genera beta or gamma HPV types in lesion-free conjunctivas is common, but not greatly enhanced by the presence of AIDS.