Detection and Concentration of Plasma Aflatoxin Is Associated With Detection of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus in Kenyan Women. (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Jianjun; Orang'o, Omenge; Tonui, Philip; Tong, Yan; Maina, Titus; Kiptoo, Stephen; Muthoka, Katpen; Groopman, John; Smith, Joshua; Madeen, Erin; Ermel, Aaron; Loehrer, Patrick; Brown, Darron R
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 6:Number 9(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: aflatoxin -- Kenyan women -- oncogenic human papillomavirus; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is common in Kenyan women. Cofactors in addition to infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) are likely to be important in causing cervical cancer, because only a small percentage of HPV-infected women will develop this malignancy. Kenyan women are exposed to dietary aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen and immunosuppressive agent, which may be such a cofactor. Methods: Demographics, behavioral data, plasma, and cervical swabs were collected from 88 human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected Kenyan women without cervical dysplasia. Human papillomavirus detection was compared between women with or without plasma aflatoxin B1-lysine (AFB1-lys) and evaluated in relation to AFB1-lys concentration. Results: Valid HPV testing results were available for 86 women (mean age 34.0 years); 49 women (57.0%) had AFB1-lys detected and 37 (43.0%) had none. The AFB1-lys detection was not associated with age, being married, having more than secondary school education, home ownership, living at a walking distance to healthcare ≥60 minutes, number of lifetime sex partners, or age of first sex. The AFB1-lys detection and plasma concentrations were associated with detection of oncogenic HPV types. Conclusions: The AFB1-lys positivity and higher plasma AFB1-lys concentrations were associated with higher risk of oncogenic HPV detection in cervical samples from Kenya women. Further studies are needed to determine whether aflatoxin interacts with HPV in a synergistic manner to increase the risk of cervical cancer.