TITLE:
Co-Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Women in Mbujimayi, DRC
AUTHORS:
Jacques T. Badianyama, Jean-Didier N. Bosenge, Davina K. Bilonda, Jean-Paul K. Cibangu, Arsène B. Tshiodi, Alain M. Cimuanga, Noël O. Labama, Emmanuel L. Komanda, Gédéon B. Katenga
KEYWORDS:
HPV, HIV, Associated Factors, Women
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a higher risk of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the national HIV control program focuses exclusively on the management of tuberculosis-HIV co-infection. This study aims to estimate the prevalence, genotype distribution, and associated risk factors of HIV/high-risk HPV co-infection among women in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January to May 2025 in Mbujimayi, involving 86 women aged 30 to 65 years who tested positive for high-risk HPV (Hr-HPV) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on vaginal swabs. HIV infection was investigated using the Determine® test on blood serum, followed by confirmation with the Uni-Gold® HIV test. Results: The prevalence of HIV/Hr-HPV co-infection was 13.9%. The age group 40 - 49 was the most affected, comprising the majority (58.3%) of this co-infection. HIV/Hr-HPV co-infection was significantly associated with a history of sexually transmitted infections, increasing the risk sixfold (OR = 6.00, 95% CI [1.21 - 37.4], p = 0.035). Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of HIV/Hr-HPV co-infection, with a predominance in the 40 - 49 age group. Furthermore, a history of sexually transmitted infections is a factor associated with the risk of this co-infection. Consequently, organizing effective screening in healthcare facilities, as well as vaccination against HPV in this group, is crucial and justified.