Human Papillomavirus: The Burden of Infection

Abstract

Vaccines for preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are far along in clinical development and testing, and hold great promise for reducing HPV infections and HPV-associated disease. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting an estimated 75% of the U.S. population. HPV infection is highly prevalent in sexually active adolescents and young adults. Sexual activity is the most important risk factor for infection, with 64% to 82% of sexually active adolescent girls testing positive for HPV. Clinical manifestations of HPV infection include genital warts, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and invasive cervical cancer, all of which cause significant morbidity and, in the case of cervical cancer, mortality. The majority of HPV-associated disease is caused by 4 HPV types: HPV 6 and 11 are responsible for low-grade genital lesions and more than 90% of genital warts, and HPV 16 and 18 both account for approximately 70% of all high-grade CIN or dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer. Although current screening methods have proven effective in reducing cervical cancer incidence and associated mortality, more than 10,000 women are diagnosed annually and 4000 U.S. women die from the disease each year.

HPV and the Development of Colorectal Cancer

“…Human papilloma viruses have been found in many epithelial tumors, including larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, penis, anus, and cervical cancers (D'Souza, et al, 2007;Bodaghi et al, 2005;Steenbergen et al, 2005;Munoz, 2000). Up to date, in excess of 100 distinct forms of HPV have been recognized, however, types such as 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51, and few others are grouped as high risk oncogenic infectious agents, and counted as carcinogens (Wiley and Masongsong, 2006;Munoz, Bosch & de Sanjose, 2003). The oncogenicity of these viruses is related to their E6 and E7 viral protein expressions, which allow and facilitate the transformation process into malignant cells (Burnett-Hartman et al, 2008).…”

Human papillomavirus genotypes and clinical management of genital warts in women attending a colposcopy clinic in Cape Town, South Africa

“…[11] Although genital warts are not life threatening, they are common and cause considerable psychosocial and sexual morbidity. [9] Genital warts in both men and women are readily transmitted, have a high recurrence rate after treatment, and cause local pain and discomfort. [9,12] Treatment for genital warts also requires multiple clinical visits associated with increased cost.…”

“…[6,7] Although genital warts are not life-threatening, they cause significant psychosocial harm, including low self-esteem, negative self-perception, embarrassment and anxiety. [8,9] Genital warts represent a health problem for the individual, and carry a significant economic burden for society owing to their generally poor response to conventional therapies and the need for multiple therapeutic interventions. [9] Immunisation against high-risk HPV types to prevent cervical cancers is likely to have a positive public health impact in the future.…”

“…[8,9] Genital warts represent a health problem for the individual, and carry a significant economic burden for society owing to their generally poor response to conventional therapies and the need for multiple therapeutic interventions. [9] Immunisation against high-risk HPV types to prevent cervical cancers is likely to have a positive public health impact in the future. In addition, the quadrivalent vaccine, which has been approved for use in males and females aged 9 -26 years, protects against the HPV types that cause 90% of genital warts (i.e.…”

Effective Strategies for HPV Vaccine Delivery: The Views of Pediatricians

“…[1] Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HPV infection recently have been developed, [2,3] and in 2006 one of these vaccines was approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended immunization of all 11-to 12-year-old girls, as well as 13-to 26-year-old girls and women not previously immunized.…”