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Association of Human Papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis Coinfection with Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions and Cervical Cancer

  • Sexually Transmitted Disease (G Sel, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim of this review is to evaluate the association of human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis coinfection with cervical intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer.

Recent Findings

Sexually transmitted infections are admitted as one of the most common public health problems globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequent viral and Chlamydia trachomatis is the most frequent bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Infection with HPV is considered as necessary but not sufficient for cervical carcinogenesis. HPV infections are generally transient and asymptomatic, but persistence of HPV DNA in uterine cervix causes cervical cancer and precursor lesions such as low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Association between HPV and C. trachomatis coinfection was reported as a cofactor in cervical cancer development. Different researchers suggest a synergistic impact of HPV and C. trachomatis infections for all grades of cervical abnormalities. On the other hand, several reports found that C. trachomatis infection was not associated with HPV infections and abnormal cervical cytology.

Summary

Exact conclusions could not be made for the association between C. trachomatis and HPV coinfections in cervical carcinogenesis. Screening and treating C. trachomatis infections could decrease HPV persistence rates and improve disease control. Thus, it could decrease the risk of developing cervical intraepithelial lesions and malignancies.

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  1. Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Department, Health Sciences University Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women’s Health Teaching and Research Hospital, Etlik Street, 06010, Ankara, Turkey

    Cigdem Kilic

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Kilic, C. Association of Human Papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis Coinfection with Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions and Cervical Cancer. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 11, 44–47 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-021-00319-y

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