Clinical findings among young women with genital human papillomavirus infection.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify clinical signs and symptoms associated with detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the female genital tract.


METHODS
A total of 516 university students (18 to 24 years old) enrolled in a cohort study that included the collection of genital specimens for HPV DNA testing every 4 months for up to 4 years. Reported symptoms and objective clinical findings of women with and without HPV DNA were compared by multivariate analysis.


RESULTS
Acute and persisting HPV infections were not associated with discharge, itching, burning, soreness, or fissures. Clinical evidence of genital warts was statistically associated only with HPV types 6 and 11. Detection of any HPV DNA was associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Furthermore, a time lag analysis suggests that HPV infection usually precedes detection of BV.


CONCLUSIONS
Most women who acquire genital HPV infection are asymptomatic; some, however, are at increased risk for BV.
Mao
Constance
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Hughes
James P
JP
Kiviat
Nancy
N
Kuypers
Jane
J
Lee
Shu-Kuang
SK
Adam
Diane E
DE
Koutsky
Laura A
LA
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics
D004279:DNA, Viral