Cohabitation of tuberculosis and human papillomavirus-positive infections in the development of cervical cancer

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of malignancies and may interfere with their diagnosis. TB and cancer frequently coexist and the relative immunosuppression caused by cancer or its treatment may lead to the reactivation of latent TB infections, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes cervical cancer, particularly HPV 16 and 18 strains account for 75% of these cases. Although it is difficult to determine the exact chronology of events using data from reported diagnoses of infections, it is possible to draw preliminary conclusions regarding the relationship between co-infections and HPV infection, HPV persistence, and the development of CIN3+. This review highlights the underappreciated overlap of the cohabitation of TB and HPV + ve infection in the cause of cervical cancer.