Screening Test Accuracy of Gynocular™, HR-HPV Testing, VIA for Detection of Cervical Neoplastic Lesions, in Women Living With HIV

Screening Test Accuracy of a Gynocular™, HR-HPV Testing, and VIA for Detection of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, Grade Two and Above, in Women Living With HIV in Lusaka, Zambia

Cervical cancer in HIV-positive women is largely preventable through regular screening. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends cervical screening for HIV-positive women every three years. Currently the least costly method for screening and the most viable option for many countries is visual inspection after application of acetic acid (VIA). Alternative testing methods are HPV testing and assessment with a portable magnification device. The investigators plan to assess and compare the screening test accuracy of these screening tests in women living with HIV. All women will receive histopathology reference standard.

The simplest and least costly method for cervical cancer screening is visual inspection after application of acetic acid (VIA). However, the ability of this screening method to correctly identify precancerous lesions (sensitivity) and women free from these lesions (specificity) is limited. The investigators aim to identify alternative screening methods which maximize sensitivity and specificity, particularly in HIV-infected women in receiving care in Southern Africa. The investigators will evaluate the screening test accuracy of a new portable magnification device , the Gynocular™ with Swede score assessment, in women who are HIV-positive and eligible for cervical cancer screening. The investigators will assess the accuracy of the device when used as a stand alone test, as well as when used subsequent to positive VIA or HPV tests. The investigators will make comparisons with current screening practices (VIA alone), as well as, recommended screening practices (HPV testing). The investigators will enrol 450 HIV-positive women receiving care for HIV/AIDS at the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, in Lusaka, Zambia. Consenting women will be screened with VIA, HPV testing and visual assessment with Gynocular™. All women undergo biopsy (reference standard) and receive treatment as indicated and in accordance with national guidelines.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. HIV-infected women confirmed through medical records
2. Women residing within Lusaka district and plans to stay in this area for the next 6 months
3. Women between 18 and 65 years of age (age bracket as per Zambian guidelines for cervical cancer screening)
4. Able and willing to consent
5. Willing to undergo a pelvic examination and cancer screening
6. Has had sexual intercourse before
7. Agrees to have follow-up appointment in 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women with a history of cervical cancer or previous hysterectomy (where the cervix was also removed)
2. Pregnant women or women who plan to get pregnant within the next 6 months
3. Women who have been vaccinated against HR-HPV