The sexually transmitted papillomavirus infections: clinical manifestations, current and future therapies

Abstract

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is an important public health problem due to its clear association with cervical cancer in women and its potential association with other anogenital malignancies. In some populations it is probably endemic, the prevalence is variable and depends on the demographics and methods utilized for detection. It is estimated that ~ 6 million new infections occur each year. Risk factors for HPV infection include young age, immunosuppression, multiple and high-risk sexual partners. This review extensively examines all of the issues pertinent to the epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations, including asymptomatic infection and dysplastic cellular changes that range from minor histologic perturbations to precancerous and malignant cellular changes. In terms of prospects for the near future, the most innovative ongoing research in treatment\vaccine development trials and the potential use of the developed commercial versions of the vaccine highlighted.

Keywords::

• cidofovir
• genital human papillomavirus
• HPV
• HPV vaccine
• imiquimod

Notes

HPV: Human papillomavirus.