Comparative study of cervical cytology in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected women

Shruti D. Devani; Tanvi Tailor; Toral B. Jivani; Kiah B. Jivani

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20254361

Authors

Shruti D. Devani Department of Pathology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
Tanvi Tailor Department of Pathology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
Toral B. Jivani Department of Pathology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
Kiah B. Jivani B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20254361

Keywords:

Cervical cancer, HIV, SEA

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, with HIV-infected women demonstrating a substantially higher susceptibility to persistent HPV infection and cervical dysplasia. This study compares cervical cytological findings in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women using Pap smear screening.

Methods: A six-month retrospective study was conducted on 200 Pap smears (100 HIV-positive, 100 HIV-negative) reported according to the 2014 Bethesda System. Unsatisfactory smears were excluded and cytological patterns were analyzed and compared.

Results: HIV-positive women showed a markedly higher prevalence of cervical abnormalities. Squamous epithelial abnormalities (SEA) were observed in 17% of HIV-positive women compared to 5% of HIV-negative women. Non-squamous abnormalities, including infectious etiologies such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomonas, were also significantly higher in the HIV-positive cohort (34% vs 12%). NILM rates were substantially lower among HIV-infected women (49% vs 79%).

Conclusions: HIV infection is strongly associated with increased cervical cytological abnormalities, underscoring the need for early, routine and targeted cervical screening, including Pap and HPV testing, in HIV-positive women to enable timely intervention and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

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