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.

STUDY

DESIGN

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.

CONCLUSION

Most women who acquire genital HPV infection are asymptomatic; some, however, are at increased risk for BV.