Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (1): 13-18.doi: 10.12280/gjfckx.20240859

• Research on Gynecological Malignancies:Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Relationship between Vaginal Microecology and Cervical Cancer in HIV-Infected Women

HU Ming-zhu, LIU Li-wen(), HUANG Lei   

  1. Graduate Collaborative Training Base of The First Hospital of Changsha, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410005, China (HU Ming-zhu); The First Hospital of Changsha (The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha 410005, China (LIU Li-wen, HUANG Lei)
  • Received:2024-09-19 Published:2025-02-15 Online:2025-02-14
  • Contact: LIU Li-wen, E-mail: 514823853@qq.com

Abstract:

The number of women acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection through sexual transmission is increasing. The immunocompromisedstate resulting from HIV infection significantly elevates the risk of infections and tumorigenesis in women. Growing evidence indicates that women living with HIV (WLHIV) exhibit increased detection rates of various vaginal pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, and human papillomavirus (HPV), while simultaneously showing decreased Lactobacillus prevalence. This dysbiosis predisposes WLHIV to genital infections and cervical cancer. Therefore, strategies aimed at enhancing immunity, improving the vaginal microenvironment, and actively managing cervical precancerous lesions can contribute to reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer. This review summarizes the alterations in the vaginal microecology of WLHIV and their association with the development of cervical cancer.

Key words: HIV infections, Vagina, Microecology, Papillomaviridae, Reproductive tract infections, Uterine cervical neoplasms, Precancerous conditions