Treatment of human papillomavirus infection in HIV-infected patients

The first reports about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) were appeared  to the  1980s. By 2017 more than 37 million people were living with HIV. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is universally spread, with some estimates showing that about 1% of the sexually active population having genital warts. Human papilloma virus (HPV)-induced infection frequently ac-companies the clinical course of HIV and can manifest itself in a full spectrum of clinical-pathologic forms ranging from common warts to malignant neoplasia. Due to the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy, the number of patients with a combined infection (HIV + HPV) is steadily increasing. Here we review current clinical treatment options for HPV manifestations. High-dose antiretroviral therapy does not impede HPV treatment, and can even improve its efficacy in some cases. The topical administration of imiquimod, an immune response modifier, is an effective conservative treatment in HIV-infected patients with HPV. The immunomodulation therapy of imiquimod can serve as an effective alternative of aggressive chemical and mechanical procedures. Maximum efficacy with the lowest replaces rates may be expected from combined use of mechanical ablation methods with a subsequent follow up treatment with imiquimod. The best therapeutic result is expected in HIV-positive patients who are received high-dose antiretroviral treatment. The advantages of Vartocid, the modified Russian equivalent of the generic imiquimod, are discussed.