Relationship between human papillomavirus type 16 in the cervix and intraepithelial neoplasia

Objective: To evaluate a temporal relationship between the presence of cerv ical human papilloma virus (HPV) type 16 and the risk of developing cervica l intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: Fifty-four women with HPV 16 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-posit ive tests were selected from the gynecologic outpatient clinic of the Reini er de Graaf Hospital, Delft, The Netherlands. At least three successive PCR tests were performed in each woman at intervals of 6 months. The PCR HPV 1 6 assay was performed in conjunction with cervical smear, and colposcopy an d biopsy, if indicated. Women with at least three consecutive positive PCR tests were defined as having persistent HPV 16 infections. Women with one p ositive test followed by two negative tests were defined as having transien t infections. Subdivided into two groups, 25 women had persistent infection s and 29 had transient infections. Results: In significantly more women in the persistent group compared with the transient group, CIN developed (11 of 25 versus six of 29, P = .036). L esions in women with persistent HPV 16 infection were more severe (six of 1 1 were CIN III versus one of six P = .041). Conclusion: Persistent infection with HPV 16 is associated with a higher ri sk of developing GIN, which is often high-grade. (C) 1999 by The American C ollege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.