Patients affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection pres
ent an elevated risk of developing cancer. In the last 10 years, the r
elationship between human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and female c
ervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) has been established. Several
studies have described an increased prevalence of both cervical HPV i
nfection and CIN among HIV-positive women compared to HIV-negative one
s. A high recurrence rate of CIN after standard treatment has been not
ed in HIV-infected women and the severity of these lesions seems to be
inversely correlated to immune function. Taking into account these da
ta, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) since 1993 have included inv
asive cervical carcinoma among the AIDS-defining conditions. Once cerv
ical cancer develops in HIV-positive women, the disease may be aggress
ive and less responsive to treatment. A primary means by which HIV inf
ection may influence the pathogenesis of HPV-associated cervical patho
logy is by molecular interaction between HN and HPV genes. Although th
ese have not been well defined, an upregulation of HPV E6 and E7 genes
expression by HIV proteins (such as tat) has been postulated by some
authors. Cervical cytology appears to be adequate as a screening tool
for the cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia in HN-positive women, but
the high recurrence rate and multifocality of this disease reinforces
the need for careful evaluation and follow-up of the entire anogenital
tract in these women. Probably in the next few years, cervical tumour
s will represent one of the most frequent complications of HIV infecti
on, a part of progression through AIDS. This points to a need for grea
ter interdisciplinary co-operation for a best disease definition and f
or the development of effective prevention measures. Copyright (C) 199
6 Elsevier Science Ltd