Advances in virology and epidemiologic research |have increased recognition of the
clinical importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most HPV infections are
subclinical and asymptomatic; when clinical manifestations do occur, they usually
take the form of benign skin lesions, which are very common. HPV also has a nefarious
side, however. HPV-associated genital warts can cause significant discomfort, psychological
distress, and, in some cases, loss of sexual function. HPV infection that takes the
visible form of anogenital warts is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases
in the United States. Of even greater concern are the rare cases of malignant transformation
of HPV-associated lesions. The link between HPV and neoplasia has been most thoroughly
studied in women with cervical cancer, but HPV can cause other malignancies in the
anogenital region, as well as in disparate parts of the body. The high prevalence
of HPV infections and their potential for malignancy combine to make HPV a pathogen
worthy of serious clinical concern.
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© 1997 Elsevier Science Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
