Uganda: High prevalence of cervical cancer-associated HPV strains in HIV-positive women

Almost 50% of HIV-positive women in Rakai, Uganda are infected with strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) that are associated with a risk of cervical cancer, according to a study published in the online edition of Sexually Transmitted Infections. The study also showed that women who reported symptoms of tuberculosis, shingles or oral thrush, all of which are associated with HIV, had an increased risk of infection with potentially cancer-causing HPV strains.