Increased HIV-1 activity in anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions compared with unaffected anal mucosa in men who have sex with men

Condylomata Acuminata (Anogenital Warts) Contain Accumulations of HIV-1 Target Cells That May Provide Portals for HIV Transmission

Background

Condylomata acuminata (anogenital warts [AGWs]) are prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and sexually active populations at risk for HIV acquisition and have been associated with HIV transmission. We compared AGW specimens to control tissue specimens for abundance, types, and location of HIV target cells and for susceptibility to HIV infection in vitro, to provide biologic evidence that AGWs facilitate HIV transmission.

Methods

We used immunohistologic staining to identify HIV target cells in AGW and control specimens. We also inoculated HIV in vitro into AGW and control specimens from HIV-negative men and assessed infection by means of TZM-bl and p24 assays.

Results

CD1a+ dendritic cells, CD4+ T cells, and macrophages were significantly more abundant in the epidermis of AGW specimens than control specimens. These HIV target cells also often appeared in large focal accumulations in the dermis of AGW specimens. Two of 8 AGW specimens versus 0 of 8 control specimens showed robust infection with HIV in vitro.

Conclusions

Compared with normal skin, AGWs contain significantly higher concentrations of HIV target cells that may be susceptible to HIV infection. Condylomata may thus promote HIV transmission, especially in the setting of typical lesion vascularity and friability. Prevention or treatment of AGWs may decrease the sexual transmission of HIV.

High-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia is associated with HIV-1 RNA rectal shedding in virologically suppressed MSM

OBJECTIVE

The protective effect of ART has not yet been definitively established in MSM. We aimed to characterize the factors associated with persistent HIV-1 RNA rectal shedding.

METHODS

Prospective study including virologically suppressed MSM from an HIV cohort. High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) was performed for screening of anal dysplasia, and rectal sampling for HIV-1 RNA quantification and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) investigation through multiplex PCR. Both generalized linear mixed (GLM) and zero-altered negative binomial (ZANB) models were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-five rectal swab samples from 132 virologically suppressed MSM were included. HIV-1 RNA was detectable in 61 (39.3%) samples, with median (IQR) rectal viral load (rVL) of 295.8 (158.8-522) copies/swab. Multivariable GLM showed that the presence of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-AIN; OR 2.85 [95% CI 1.10-7.38]) and a protease inhibitor-based regimen (OR 2.49 [0.98-6.34]) resulted in increased risk for rectal HIV-1 shedding, whereas higher nadir CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio (OR 0.18 [0.04-0.93]) was negatively associated with rectal shedding. ZANB analyses showed that the best predictors of having detectable rVL were lower nadir CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio (OR 0.98 [0.96-0.99]) and PI-based regimens (OR 4.85 [1.29-18.24]); the presence of HG-AIN (RR 2.50 [1.41-4.45]), and a higher burden of STIs (RR 1.39 [1.03-1.85]) were predictors of rectal HIV-1 shedding intensity.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HIV-1 RNA rectal shedding is high in virologically suppressed MSM. In addition to ART and the immune system integrity, local factors, including the co-existence of HG-AIN and the burden of STIs, may account for the persistence of HIV-1 RNA shedding in rectal mucosa.